AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -As previously mentioned, DNA polymerase can only add to the 3’ end, so the 5’ end of the primer remains unaltered. Consequently, synthesis proceeds immediately only along the so-called leading strand. This immediate replication is known as continuous replication.

Detailed explanation-2: -The primase generates short strands of RNA that bind to the single-stranded DNA to initiate DNA synthesis by the DNA polymerase. This enzyme can work only in the 5’ to 3’ direction, so it replicates the leading strand continuously.

Detailed explanation-3: -The major difference between a lagging and leading strand is that the lagging strand replicates discontinuously forming short fragments, whereas the leading strand replicates continuously.

Detailed explanation-4: -This strand is made continuously, because the DNA polymerase is moving in the same direction as the replication fork. This continuously synthesized strand is called the leading strand.