AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -On the lagging strand, DNA synthesis restarts many times as the helix unwinds, resulting in many short fragments called “Okazaki fragments.” DNA ligase joins the Okazaki fragments together into a single DNA molecule.

Detailed explanation-2: -The lagging strand is the DNA strand replicated in the 3’ to 5’ direction during DNA replication from a template strand. It is synthesized in fragments.

Detailed explanation-3: -Lagging-strand DNA synthesis is delayed because it must wait for the leading strand to expose the template strand on which each Okazaki fragment is synthesized.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lagging strand synthesis begins when helicase opens up the parent molecule of DNA and creates the replication fork. Two molecules of helicase open the DNA in both directions, allowing DNA replication to occur both ways. This creates two leading strands and two lagging strands per replication fork.