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Question
Biology
Posted 10 months ago
why cant they both be leading strands in DNA replication
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Answer from Sia
Posted 10 months ago
Answer
DNA replication involves a leading strand and a lagging strand due to the antiparallel nature of the double helix.
Solution
a
Antiparallel structure: DNA strands run in opposite directions, which is essential for the replication process
b
Leading and lagging strands: The leading strand is synthesized continuously, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments called Okazaki fragments
c
Direction of DNA polymerases: DNA polymerases can only add nucleotides to the 3' end of a DNA strand, necessitating a leading and a lagging strand during replication
Key Concept
Antiparallel nature of DNA
Explanation
DNA polymerases can only synthesize DNA in one direction (5' to 3'), which means that only one strand, the leading strand, can be made continuously. The other strand, the lagging strand, must be synthesized in fragments.
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