Difference Between Lagging and Leading Strands
The difference between Lagging and Leading strands are as follows:
|
Characteristics |
Leading Strand |
Lagging Strand |
|---|---|---|
|
Synthesis Direction |
5′ to 3′ (Continuous) |
3′ to 5′ (Discontinuous) |
|
Initiation |
Starts with a single primer at the origin of the replication |
Requires multiple primers for Okazaki fragments |
|
Polymerase Movement |
Continuous movement toward the replication fork |
Discontinuous movement away from the replication fork |
|
DNA Polymerase Requirement |
Requires only one DNA polymerase |
Requires multiple DNA polymerases |
|
Primase Involvement |
Primase is not frequently required |
Primase synthesizes RNA primers to initiate synthesis |
|
Okazaki Fragments |
Absent |
Present |
|
Template Strand |
The 3′ to 5′ template strand is continuously available |
The 5′ to 3′ template strand is repeatedly exposed |
|
RNA Primer Placement |
Placed once at the origin of replication |
Placed at the beginning of each Okazaki fragment |
|
Direction of Replication |
Follows the replication fork direction |
Against the direction of the replication fork |
|
Speed of Synthesis |
Generally faster due to continuous synthesis |
Generally slower due to discontinuous synthesis |
|
Synthesis |
Less complex in terms of synthesis and coordination |
More complex due to coordination of Okazaki fragments |
|
Ligase Activity |
Ligase acts to seal the nicks in a single continuous strand |
Ligase acts to seal the nicks between Okazaki fragments |
|
Final Outcome |
Results in a continuous newly synthesized strand |
Results in a discontinuous series of Okazaki fragments |
|
Overall Efficiency |
Generally more efficient in terms of time and resources |
Less efficient due to the need for additional steps |
|
DNA Replication Unit |
One continuous unit of DNA replication |
Multiple units (Okazaki fragments) for one replication |
Difference between Lagging and Leading Strand
Leading and Lagging Strands are two complementary strands that show different characteristics during DNA replication. These strands, though work in tandem, show different characteristics that contribute to the precision of DNA replication. The lagging strand in DNA replication is synthesized discontinuously in short fragments called Okazaki fragments, and the leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5′ to 3′ direction. This article will help in understanding the difference between the Lagging and Leading strands which is essential to comprehend the complexity of DNA replication.
Table of Content
- Difference Between Lagging and Leading Strands
- What are Lagging Strands?
- What are Leading Strands?
- Conclusion -Difference Between Lagging and Leading Strand