Biology / Unit 6 Bio 1223 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Leading Strand
Captions available
The idea
The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5'-to-3' direction, following the replication fork as it opens, from a single primer.
In practice
One primer at the origin is enough to extend the leading strand for the entire length the fork travels.
Where people slip
Only the leading strand extends this directly — its lagging partner needs a different, discontinuous strategy.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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