Why is there a lagging strand and a leading strand at each replication fork?

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∻Answer∻ ⚹ The lagging strand and the leading strand at each replication fork are a result of the antiparallel nature of the double-stranded DNA and the enzyme DNA polymerase's ability to synthesize DNA in only one direction. ⚹ ∻Solution∻ ‖ a ⋮ Antiparallel structure of DNA: DNA strands run in opposite directions, one in a 5' to 3' direction and the other in a 3' to 5' direction. ‖ ‖ b ⋮ DNA polymerase activity: DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to the 3' end of a growing DNA strand, thus it can only synthesize in the 5' to 3' direction. ‖ ‖ c ⋮ Leading strand synthesis: At the replication fork, the leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction as it follows the replication fork. ‖ ‖ d ⋮ Lagging strand synthesis: The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in short segments called Okazaki fragments, which are later joined together. This is because the 5' to 3' synthesis moves away from the replication fork. ‖ ∻Key Concept∻ ⚹ DNA replication involves the synthesis of two new strands, the leading and lagging strands, due to the antiparallel nature of DNA and the directionality of DNA polymerase. ⚹ ∻Explanation∻ ⚹ The leading strand is synthesized continuously because it is oriented in the correct direction for DNA polymerase to add nucleotides as it moves toward the replication fork. The lagging strand is synthesized in fragments because its orientation requires DNA polymerase to work in a direction away from the replication fork, necessitating a more complex process of synthesis.◊What is the role of Okazaki fragments in DNA replication on the lagging strand?⍭ Generate me a similar question◊⚹

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