Question

Which statement CORRECTLY describes why the DNA synthesis is discontinuous on one template strand while continuous on the other? (Select all that apply.) A. It is due to the semiconservative nature of DNA replication. B. It is due to the nature of the DNA polymerase which can only add new nucleotide at the 3' end. C. It is due to difficulty in unwinding the DNA template for replication. D. It is due to antiparallel nature of the DNA molecule. E. It is due to the fact that the DNA polymerase is not active enough.

Answer 1

The DNA synthesis process is continuous on one strand while discontinuous on the other because of the fact that the DNA polymerase can add new nucleotides to the newly replicated strand only at the 3'end. The two strands of the DNA are anti-parallel, and so during the process of replication the DNA polymerase only works by adding new nucleotide from the 3' end. This leads to the synthesis of a continuous strand on one template stand, and the formation of the okazaki fragments on the another.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Option B and Option D'.