AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -“the lagging strand polymerase synthesizes DNA faster than the leading strand polymerase.”

Detailed explanation-2: -Further, the lagging strand polymerase is faster than leading strand synthesis, indicating that replisome rate is limited by the helicase.

Detailed explanation-3: -During DNA replication, leading strand synthesis occurs faster than lagging strand synthesis due to the fact that Okazaki fragment synthesis is more involved (i.e. uses many RNA primers and requires constant reloading of DNA Pol onto the DNA); however, the cells makes up for the difference at the end.

Detailed explanation-4: -The strand that opens in the 3’ to 5’ direction towards the replication fork is referred to as the lagging strand. The strand that runs in the 5’ to 3’ direction in the replication fork is referred to as the leading strand. The strand is replicated discontinuously.

Detailed explanation-5: -As a result, replication of the lagging strand is a slower and more complicated process than that of the leading strand. Thus it is seen to lag behind the leading strand (hence the name).