What are the short DNA fragments synthesized on the lagging strand called?

What are the short DNA fragments synthesized on the lagging strand called?

• A. Okazaki fragments
• B. Leading strand
• C. Primer fragments
• D. Exon fragments

Answer: (A)

During DNA replication, the lagging strand is synthesized in short, discontinuous segments because DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction and must work away from the fork. These short segments are called Okazaki fragments. Each fragment starts with an RNA primer laid down by primase, and DNA polymerase extends from that primer until it reaches the next fragment. Later, the RNA primers are removed and replaced with DNA, and DNA ligase seals the gaps to form a continuous strand. This naming specifically describes the fragments produced on the lagging strand, unlike terms that refer to the continuously synthesized leading strand or nonstandard phrases.

During DNA replication, the lagging strand is synthesized in short, discontinuous segments because DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction and must work away from the fork. These short segments are called Okazaki fragments. Each fragment starts with an RNA primer laid down by primase, and DNA polymerase extends from that primer until it reaches the next fragment. Later, the RNA primers are removed and replaced with DNA, and DNA ligase seals the gaps to form a continuous strand. This naming specifically describes the fragments produced on the lagging strand, unlike terms that refer to the continuously synthesized leading strand or nonstandard phrases.