Question

Differentiate between Leading stand and lagging strand.

Answer 1

Feature	Leading Strand	Lagging Strand
1. Direction of synthesis	Synthesized continuously in the same direction as the replication fork.	Synthesized discontinuously in the opposite direction of the replication fork.
2. Formation	Formed as a single, continuous strand.	Formed in short fragments called Okazaki fragments.
3. Requirement of primers	Requires only one RNA primer to start synthesis.	Requires multiple RNA primers, one for each Okazaki fragment.
4. DNA polymerase movement	Moves toward the replication fork.	Moves away from the replication fork.
5. Speed of synthesis	Faster because it is continuous.	Slower because it is discontinuous.