AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -New DNA complementary to each single strand is synthesized at each replication fork. The two forks move in opposite directions around the circumference of the bacterial chromosome, creating a larger and larger replication bubble that grows at both ends.

Detailed explanation-2: -One strand is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork; this is called the leading strand. The other strand is synthesized in a direction away from the replication fork, in short stretches of DNA known as Okazaki fragments. This strand is known as the lagging strand.

Detailed explanation-3: -The “leading strand” is synthesized continuously toward the replication fork as helicase unwinds the template double-stranded DNA. The “lagging strand” is synthesized in the direction away from the replication fork and away from the DNA helicase unwinds.

Detailed explanation-4: -Explanation: DNA synthesis always occurs in the 5’ to 3’ direction, so one new strand is synthesized continuously towards the replication fork, producing the leading strand. The other strand, known as the lagging strand, forms away from the replication fork in small fragments.

Detailed explanation-5: -DNA polymerase only synthesizes DNA in the 5’ to 3’ direction only. The difference between the leading and lagging strands is that the leading strand is formed towards replication fork, while the lagging strand is formed away from replication fork.