Question

differentiate between leading and lagging strand

Answer 1

Leading Strand:

1. It is a replicated strand of DNA which grows continuously without any gap.

Lagging Strand” &ndash

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2. It does not require DNA ligase for its growth.

3. The direction of growth of the leading strand is 5′ —> 3

4. Only a single RNA primer is required.

5. Formation of leading strand is quite rapid.

6. Its template opens in 3′ -> 5′ direction.

7. Formation of leading strand begins immediately at the beginning of replication.

Lagging Strand:

1. Lagging strand is a replicated strand of DNA which is formed in short segments called Okazaki fragments. Its growth is discontinuous.

2. DNA-ligase is required for joining Okazaki fragments.

3. The direction of growth of the lagging strand is 3′ -» 5′ though in each Okazaki fragment it is 5′ —> 3

4. Starting of each Okazaki fragment requires a new RNA.

5. Formation of lagging strand is slower.

6. Its template opens in 5′ —» 3’ direction.