NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -DNA replication is ‘semi-discontinuous’ because one of the strands is synthesised continuously, while the other strand, discontinuously by the formation of Okazaki fragments .

Detailed explanation-2: -DNA replication occurs both continuously and discontinuously at the same time. Nucleotides can only be added to a new strand of DNA on the 3’ end, so the process has to start with the 5’ end.

Detailed explanation-3: -Synthesis of the lagging strand has to be discontinuous because DNA polymerase cannot make a new strand in the 3’ to 5’ direction. Therefore, a series of Okazaki fragments, each with their own RNA primer, must be made as to the fork advances.

Detailed explanation-4: -On the upper lagging strand, synthesis is discontinuous, since new RNA primers must be added as opening of the replication fork continues to expose new template. This produces a series of disconnected Okazaki fragments.

Detailed explanation-5: -Lagging-strand replication is discontinuous, with short Okazaki fragments being formed and later linked together.