The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in short segments called Okazaki fragments during DNA replication, as it runs in the opposite direction to the replication fork movement. This process requires the repeated action of primase to lay down RNA primers and DNA ligase to join the fragments, making it more complex than the continuous synthesis of the leading strand.
Okazaki fragments are short sequences of DNA nucleotides synthesized discontinuously and later linked together by the enzyme DNA ligase during DNA replication on the lagging strand. They are essential for the semi-discontinuous replication process, ensuring that the entire genome is accurately duplicated despite the antiparallel nature of DNA strands.
Structure-specific binding refers to the ability of certain molecules, such as proteins or nucleic acids, to recognize and bind to specific structural features of other molecules rather than specific sequences. This mechanism is crucial for various biological processes, including DNA repair, replication, and transcription regulation, where the shape and conformation of the target molecule play a critical role in binding specificity.