Question

a. Draw a labelled schematic diagram of a replication fork showing continuous and discontinuous replication of DNA strands. 

b. State a reason why is the replication continuous and discontinuous in the diagram drawn.

Answer 1

a.

b. The two strands of DNA are anti parallel, i.e., one strand runs in the direction 5' to 3' and the other runs in the direction 3' to 5'. DNA polymerase adds deoxyribonucleotides only in one direction, i.e., 5' to 3'. Thus, producing Okazaki fragments in the other strands.