Question

What is the basis for the difference in how the leading and lagging strands of dna molecules are synthesized?

Answer 1

Heya..!

Leading strand
- it is replicated strand of DNA which grows continously without any gap.

-It doesnot require DNA ligase for its growth.

-the direction of growth of leading strand is 5'--->3'

-Only a single RNA primer is required.

-Formation of leading strand is quite rapid.

-it's template opens in 3'--->5' direction.

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

Lagging strand
-Lagging strand is a replicai strand of DNA which is formed in short segments called okazaki fragments.Its growth is discontinuous.

-DNA ligase is required for joining okazaki fragments.

- The direction of growth of lagging strand is 3'-->5' though in each okazaki fragment it is 5'--->3'

-Starting of each okazaki fragment requires a New RNA.

-Formation of lagging strand is slower.

-its template opens in 5'---->3' direction.

-Formation of lagging strand begins a bit later than that of leading strand.

HOPE THIS HELPS YOU.