Question

(a) Why does DNA replication occur within a replication fork and not in its entire length simultaneously?

Hint:

The replication fork ensures accurate DNA synthesis by coordinating the replication of both strands in complementary directions.

Answer 1

DNA replication occurs within a replication fork because: 
- Directionality of DNA polymerase: The enzyme DNA polymerase can add nucleotides only in the 5’ to 3’ direction. 
- Anti-parallel nature of DNA: Due to the anti-parallel arrangement of DNA strands, replication occurs continuously on one strand (leading strand) and discontinuously on the other strand (lagging strand) within the fork.