What is the role of Okazaki fragments in DNA replication?

Okazaki fragments are indeed small segments synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication. DNA replication occurs in a semi-conservative manner, where each strand of the original DNA molecule acts as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. The leading strand is continuously synthesized in the same direction as the replication fork, while the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in the opposite direction due to the antiparallel nature of the DNA strands.

As the DNA unwinds, the lagging strand is built in short segments because DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction. Therefore, multiple short stretches of DNA, called Okazaki fragments, are formed. These fragments are later joined together by the enzyme DNA ligase to create a continuous strand.

This mechanism allows for the efficient replication of DNA, ensuring that both strands of the DNA duplex are synthesized even when they run in opposite directions. Understanding the role of Okazaki fragments is crucial, as it highlights the complexity of DNA replication and the coordination required between various enzymes and processes involved.