Question

Explain what, if any, is the issue facing DNA polymerase in regards to its 5’->3’ activity when replicating DNA.

Answer 1

Answer:

The two strands of DNA are replicated in different ways

Explanation:

DNA replication is a process that occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle that consists of making two identical copies of the double-stranded DNA molecule, which subsequently are distributed in the daughter cells during cell division. During this process, DNA polymerase can add nucleotides in 5' to 3' direction, but not in 3' to 5' direction. In consequence, the DNA strand that has 3’ to 5’ directionality can be synthesized directly, while the DNA template strand that has 5’ to 3’ directionality can't be synthesized in a continuous manner and thereby it is created by adding small DNA fragments, which are known as Okazaki fragments (150-200 nucleotides in size).