Which statement is true regarding DNA replication on leading and lagging strands?

The statement that DNA replication on leading and lagging strands replicates differently is accurate due to the distinct mechanisms employed by each strand during the replication process.

On the leading strand, DNA is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork as the DNA unwinds. This allows for a seamless addition of nucleotides as the parental strand serves as a template in a straightforward manner.

In contrast, the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously, creating short segments known as Okazaki fragments. These fragments are formed because DNA replication can only proceed in the 5' to 3' direction, and as the fork opens, the lagging strand must wait for more of the template to become available, leading to a staggered synthesis process. After synthesis, the RNA primers used to initiate the synthesis of these fragments are removed and replaced with DNA, and the fragments are later joined together by DNA ligase.

The differences in these replication processes are crucial for the overall efficiency and accuracy of DNA replication. Understanding that the leading and lagging strands utilize distinct methods highlights the complexity of DNA replication and is fundamental for comprehending the intricate workings of cellular mechanisms.