Question

question 63
1.5 pts
which of the following statements correctly describes one characteristic of dna replication in eukaryotes?
○ in the leading strand, dna is replicated in short pieces called okazaki fragments, which are then joined together at the end of the process.
○ dna is replicated in the 3 to 5 direction in the leading strand.
○ in the lagging strand, dna is replicated in short pieces called okazaki fragments, which are then joined together at the end of the process.
○ helicase joins the okazaki fragments together in the lagging strand.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: Okazaki fragments are formed on the lagging strand, not the leading strand. So this option is incorrect.
2. Analyze the second option: DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA in the 5' to 3' direction. The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction (matching the replication fork movement), so replication in 3' to 5' direction is wrong.
3. Analyze the third option: The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously as Okazaki fragments (short DNA pieces) which are later joined by DNA ligase. This matches the characteristics of eukaryotic DNA replication.
4. Analyze the fourth option: Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix. DNA ligase joins Okazaki fragments, not helicase. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

C. In the lagging strand, DNA is replicated in short pieces called Okazaki fragments, which are then joined together at the end of the process.