Okazaki Fragments
Definition
Short sequences of DNA nucleotides synthesized discontinuously and later linked together by the enzyme DNA ligase to create the lagging strand during DNA replication.
Analogy
Imagine you're trying to paint a long wall, but you can only paint in small sections at a time. Each section you paint is like an Okazaki fragment. Once all sections are painted (or all fragments are connected), you have your completed wall (or DNA strand).
Related terms
DNA Ligase: An enzyme that connects two fragments of DNA to make a single fragment.
Lagging Strand: The strand of DNA that is synthesized discontinuously in short segments opposite to the direction of replication fork movement.
Leading Strand: The template strand of the DNA molecule that is replicated continuously in the 3'→5' direction.
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