Okazaki fragments

Definition

Okazaki fragments are short sequences of DNA nucleotides synthesized discontinuously and later joined together to form the lagging strand during DNA replication. They are essential for replicating the antiparallel strand of the double helix.

Related terms

DNA replication: The process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.

Lagging strand: The strand of DNA that is synthesized discontinuously in short segments in the direction opposite to the replication fork movement.

DNA ligase: An enzyme that joins disconnected strands of DNA (such as Okazaki fragments) together by forming phosphodiester bonds between them