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Multiple Choice
Which is involved in replicating the lagging strand of DNA, but is not involved in leading strand replication?
A
Ribosome.
B
RNA primer.
C
DNA polymerase.
D
Okazaki fragments.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that DNA replication involves the synthesis of a new strand of DNA complementary to the template strand. This process occurs in the 5' to 3' direction.
Recognize that the leading strand is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork movement, while the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously.
Identify that the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments known as Okazaki fragments, which are later joined together.
Note that Okazaki fragments are specific to the lagging strand because the DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction, necessitating the synthesis of these short fragments.
Conclude that Okazaki fragments are involved in the replication of the lagging strand but not in the leading strand, as the leading strand is synthesized continuously without the need for these fragments.