Question

what is true about the lagging strand during dna replication?
a. it is synthesized before the leading strand.

b. it has the same sequence as the leading strand.

c. it is synthesized in the 5’ to 3’ direction.

d. it contains okazaki fragments.

Explanation:

• Option A: Leading and lagging strands are synthesized simultaneously during DNA replication, so A is false.
• Option B: The lagging strand has a complementary sequence to the leading strand (not the same), so B is false.
• Option C: While DNA polymerase synthesizes in the 5’ to 3’ direction, the key characteristic of the lagging strand is the presence of Okazaki fragments. Just stating it's synthesized 5’ to 3’ is not the most defining feature of the lagging strand compared to the leading strand (which is also synthesized 5’ to 3’ continuously).
• Option D: The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously as short segments called Okazaki fragments, which is a defining feature of the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Answer:

D. It contains Okazaki fragments.