Okazaki Fragments on the Lagging Strand

Lagging strand synthesis builds new DNA in short pieces called Okazaki fragments. This happens during DNA replication because the lagging strand runs in the opposite direction from the direction the replication machinery moves.

As the DNA double helix opens, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides only i...

The complementary strands in double-stranded DNA replicate at different rates. On one strand, the replication process is continuous and fast; this newly formed daughter strand is called the leading strand. 

On the other strand, the replication process is discontinuous, relatively slower, and starts slightly later; this daughter strand is ...