Question

Describe the discontinuous synthesis of DNA.

Answer 1

The discontinuous synthesis of DNA is as follows: 

i. At the replication site, unwinding of double stranded DNA takes place by DNA gyrase and helicase. 

ii. ssBPs (single-stranded binding proteins) bind to the separated strands to avoid recoiling or to provide stability. 

iii. Since DNA polymerase can synthesise DNA only in 5′→3′ direction, DNA synthesis occurs discontinuously on the lagging strand. 

iv. These small fragments of DNA are called Okazaki fragments. 

v. The enzyme primase adds primers after every fragment is formed. 

vi. These Okazaki fragments are then joined by DNA ligase.