During DNA replication, the leading strand is synthesized continuously while the lagging strand is synthesized in a series of short fragments called Okazaki fragments.
Explanation:
- DNA replication does not start at random location but at particular sites called the origins of DNA replication.
- A unit of DNA where replication starts at origin and proceeds is called a replicon.
- Each replicon has a replication fork that advances continuously along with advancing replication.
- At each growing fork two strands are synthesized- a leading strand that is synthesized continuosly in 5'-3' direction and another lagging strand that is synthesized discontinuously from 3'-5' direction forming fragments of DNA called Okazaki fragment.
