DNA replication occurs only in the 5’ to 3’ direction, meaning DNA polymerase can only add new nucleotides to the 3’ end of the
growing molecule. What forms as a direct result of the directionality of DNA replication? A) Mutations on the lagging strand
B) Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand
C) Continuous replication on the lagging strand
D) Excess hydrogen bonding on the leading strand
<em>The correct option is B)Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.</em>
Explanation:
The pattern of DNA replication is continuous for the leading strand as DNA polymerase III works in this direction i.efrom the 5 prime to the 3 prime. To complete the lagging strand, fragments are formed on the lagging strand which are known as Okazaki fragments. The enzyme DNA polymerase I removes ribonucleotides from the 5 prime of the Okazaki fragments which are replaced by deoxyribonucleotides and hence, the lagging strand start to replicate in this manner.
