Biology / Unit 6 Bio 1225 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Lagging Strand and Okazaki Fragments
Captions available
The idea
The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously, in short Okazaki fragments, each started by its own primer pointing away from the replication fork.
In practice
As the fork opens further, a new primer and Okazaki fragment begin, repeating for the strand's length.
Where people slip
Okazaki fragments still extend 5' to 3', obeying Bio 1221's rule — only their direction along the strand runs opposite the fork.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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