Lagging Strand

Definition

The lagging strand is the other new DNA strand synthesized during replication. It's called 'lagging' because it is synthesized discontinuously, in fragments that are later joined together.

Related terms

Okazaki Fragments:

Short sequences of DNA nucleotides which are synthesized discontinuously on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

RNA Primers: Short strands of RNA that serve as starting points for synthesis of the new DNA strands.

DNA Polymerase III:

An enzyme that synthesizes Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand during DNA replication.