Continuous and Discontinuous

Synthesis

NOTES TO REMEMBER:
Double helix is antiparallel
DNA polymerase III synthesizes DNA only
in 5 to 3 direction.
Continuous synthesis >>leading strand
Discontinuous synthesis >> lagging strand
Okazaki fragments
first seen in E.coli by Reiji and Tuneko Okazaki
DNA polymerase I

Concurrent Synthesis
Directionality problem: solved by Lagging strand is spooled out
to form a loop = nucleotide polymerization (a subunit)
accomplished under direction of polymerase III dimer (by
complex)
Complete okazaki fragment is released from the lagging strand
New loop is formed then the process is repeated
Looping inverts the orientation, not the direction
Sliding clamp structure ( -subunit) critical in maintaining
processivity
Processivity- number of enzymes added during synthesis before
being dissociated from the template

- High processivity (important on leading

strand synthesis
- critical for rapid rate of
synthesis