During DNA replication, what are the fragments called on the lagging strand?

During DNA replication, what are the fragments called on the lagging strand?

• A. Leading fragments
• B. Hybrid fragments
• C. Telomeres
• D. Okazaki

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that DNA polymerase can only synthesize DNA in the 5' to 3' direction, which on the lagging strand happens in short, discontinuous segments. These short pieces are called Okazaki fragments. Each fragment starts with an RNA primer laid down by primase, and DNA polymerase extends from that primer until it reaches the end of the previous fragment. Later, the RNA primers are removed and replaced with DNA, and the fragments are joined into a continuous strand by DNA ligase. The term Okazaki fragments specifically describes these lagging-strand pieces, while the other terms listed don’t fit: telomeres refer to chromosome ends, and there isn’t a concept of “leading” or “hybrid” fragments in this context.

The main idea is that DNA polymerase can only synthesize DNA in the 5' to 3' direction, which on the lagging strand happens in short, discontinuous segments. These short pieces are called Okazaki fragments. Each fragment starts with an RNA primer laid down by primase, and DNA polymerase extends from that primer until it reaches the end of the previous fragment. Later, the RNA primers are removed and replaced with DNA, and the fragments are joined into a continuous strand by DNA ligase. The term Okazaki fragments specifically describes these lagging-strand pieces, while the other terms listed don’t fit: telomeres refer to chromosome ends, and there isn’t a concept of “leading” or “hybrid” fragments in this context.