Question

What is the reason for the discontinuous synthesis of DNA on one of the parental strands?

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Answer 1

. The DNA synthesis occurs in 5’-3’ direction. The DNA strands act as templates. One of the strands is synthesized in the 3’-5’ direction. The other strand is synthesized in the opposite direction producing small stretches of DNA known as Okazaki fragments. That is why DNA synthesis is discontinuous.

Answer 2

Answer:

In a double stranded DNA both strands are anti parallel and complementary. ... That is why DNA synthesis is discontinuous on one of the parental strands of DNA. These small stretches called Okazaki fragments are joined together by DNA ligase enzyme that closes the nicks.