In DNA replication, what is the difference between the

Last updated: 7/23/2022

In DNA replication, what is the difference between the leading and lagging strands? In the leading strand, DNA is synthesized 5'-3', while in the lagging strand it is synthesized 3'-5'. The leading strand is composed of DNA only, while the lagging strand is composed of both RNA and DNA. After extension, the leading strand is continuous, while the lagging strand is composed of disconnected fragments. The leading strand is synthesized only by DNA polymerase III, while the lagging strand is synthesized only by DNA polymerase I.