Definition of Leading Strand



The replication of DNA is a biological process which is mandatory for passing the characteristics onto the next generation. During this process, a copy of the molecule of DNA is made which replicates itself in order to give a double-stranded molecule. Both the strands of the DNA serve as a template through which the complementary strands are produced. The strands of DNA get split and form a replication fork.

 


The leading strand is defined as that strand which grows in 5’-3’ direction. It is synthesized in the direction same as the replication fork. It is not synthesized in small fragments and hence the synthesis is continuous. The new nucleotides come and get added to the 3’ end of the strand. This is done when the polymerase has read the sequence of the original DNA template.


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