In DNA replication, the okazaki fragment on the lagging strand are joined together by:
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DNA Replication: Joining Okazaki Fragments
In DNA replication, the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously as short segments called Okazaki fragments. These fragments need to be joined together to form a continuous strand.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Step 1: DNA polymerase synthesizes Okazaki fragments using RNA primers.
Step 2: The RNA primers are removed by DNA polymerase I (in prokaryotes) or RNase H (in eukaryotes).
Step 3: This leaves gaps between the fragments.
Step 4: DNA ligase seals these gaps by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between adjacent nucleotides.
The chemical reaction catalyzed by DNA ligase is:
Final Answer: DNA ligase
Related Topics:
- Leading vs Lagging Strand: The leading strand is synthesized continuously while the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously.
- Replication Fork: The Y-shaped structure where DNA replication occurs.
- Enzymes in DNA Replication: Helicase (unwinds DNA), Primase (synthesizes RNA primers), DNA polymerase (synthesizes DNA), and DNA ligase (joins fragments).
Key Formulae:
DNA ligase catalyzes the formation of a phosphodiester bond between the 3'-OH end of one nucleotide and the 5'-phosphate end of another: