Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Leading Vs. Lagging Strands Unraveling DNA Replication Mysteries

Word Count Emoji
339 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

🚀 Picture this: Imagine you're building a LEGO tower. One side you can build straight up without interruption (like a speed racer!). On the other side, you have to build in chunks, pause, then continue. The first is our leading strand, and the tricky second one? That's the lagging strand.

DNA Basics - The Scene Setters 🧬

  • DNA strands run antiparallel to each other.

    • Think of it like a two-way road, cars (or strands) moving in opposite directions!
  • DNA polymerase (our master builder 🏗️) can only build in one direction: 5′ to 3′.

The Leading Strand - The Speed Racer 🏎️

  • DNA polymerase adds blocks (or nucleotides) towards the replication fork.
  • It's a smooth, continuous process, like cruising on a highway.
  • Real-world example: Imagine you're eating a chocolate bar 🍫. For the leading strand, you eat it in one go, without breaking it apart.

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IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Leading Vs. Lagging Strands Unraveling DNA Replication Mysteries

Word Count Emoji
339 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

🚀 Picture this: Imagine you're building a LEGO tower. One side you can build straight up without interruption (like a speed racer!). On the other side, you have to build in chunks, pause, then continue. The first is our leading strand, and the tricky second one? That's the lagging strand.

DNA Basics - The Scene Setters 🧬

  • DNA strands run antiparallel to each other.

    • Think of it like a two-way road, cars (or strands) moving in opposite directions!
  • DNA polymerase (our master builder 🏗️) can only build in one direction: 5′ to 3′.

The Leading Strand - The Speed Racer 🏎️

  • DNA polymerase adds blocks (or nucleotides) towards the replication fork.
  • It's a smooth, continuous process, like cruising on a highway.
  • Real-world example: Imagine you're eating a chocolate bar 🍫. For the leading strand, you eat it in one go, without breaking it apart.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟