During dna replication, the leading strand is synthesized continuously, whereas the lagging strand is synthesized as okazaki fragments. why is this so?

Because DNA polymerase can synthesize DNA strands in 5' to 3' direction only.

Explanation:

The 5' end of one DNA strand is present opposite to the 3' end of the other strand. But DNA polymerase enzyme can elongate the primers in 5' to 3' direction only. Formation of a phosphodiester bond between the existing nucleotide and the incoming nucleotide requires the free 3'OH. This 3' OH serves in the nucleophilic attack during the formation of the bond.

Therefore, the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in the form of short DNA fragments. These are called Okazaki fragments. Primers are formed for short distances which in turn are elongated by DNA polymerase to form the Okazaki fragments. On the other hand, the synthesis of the leading strand occurs continuously in the same direction in which the replication fork moves.

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