OKAZAKI FRAGMENT Meaning and
Definition
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An Okazaki fragment refers to a short segment of single-stranded DNA that is synthesized discontinuously on the lagging strand during DNA replication. It is named after the Japanese molecular biologist Reiji Okazaki, who first discovered these fragments in the late 1960s.
During DNA replication, the double-stranded DNA molecule unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. As the synthesis of the leading strand occurs continuously, the synthesis of the lagging strand proceeds in a series of short sections called Okazaki fragments.
The process of Okazaki fragment synthesis begins with the priming of the lagging strand by an RNA primer, which is synthesized by the primase enzyme. The DNA polymerase III enzyme then elongates the RNA primer by adding new DNA nucleotides to form a short DNA fragment. This fragment ranges in size from a few hundred to a few thousand nucleotides.
Once the Okazaki fragment is synthesized, the RNA primer is removed by an enzyme called DNA polymerase I, and the resulting gap is filled with DNA nucleotides by the same enzyme. Finally, the DNA ligase seals the remaining nicks between the Okazaki fragments, resulting in a continuous and fully replicated lagging strand.
In summary, Okazaki fragments are short DNA segments that are synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication. They play a crucial role in the process of DNA replication by ensuring the accurate synthesis of both leading and lagging strands.
Common Misspellings for OKAZAKI FRAGMENT
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Etymology of OKAZAKI FRAGMENT
The word "Okazaki fragment" is named after the Japanese scientist Reiji Okazaki, who made significant contributions to the understanding of DNA replication. Okazaki fragments refer to short, newly synthesized DNA fragments that are formed on the lagging strand during DNA replication.
In the 1960s, Reiji Okazaki and his colleagues conducted groundbreaking experiments to elucidate the mechanisms of DNA replication. Their work involved the use of radioactive isotopes and electron microscopy to visualize the replication process. Okazaki observed that DNA replication on the lagging strand occurred in short fragments, which were later termed "Okazaki fragments" in his honor.
Hence, the word "Okazaki fragment" originated from the name of the scientist who first discovered and described these fragments during DNA replication.
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