Question

which statement best describes strand characteristics as it relates to dna replication? view available hint(s) the leading and lagging strands are both built continuously. the leading and lagging strands are both built in fragments. the leading strand is built continuously, and the lagging strand is built in pieces. the lagging strand is built continuously, and the leading strand is built in pieces.

Explanation:

In DNA replication, the leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction following the replication fork. The lagging strand, due to the anti - parallel nature of DNA and the 5' to 3' direction of DNA polymerase, is synthesized in short fragments (Okazaki fragments) which are later joined together. The first option is wrong as the lagging strand is not built continuously. The second option is wrong as the leading strand is built continuously. The fourth option has the leading and lagging strand synthesis descriptions reversed.

Answer:

The leading strand is built continuously, and the lagging strand is built in pieces.