The strand that elongates toward the replication fork.Group of answer choicesboth leading and lagging strandlagging strandleading strandNext

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the components involved in DNA replication.
2. Determine the direction of strand elongation relative to the replication fork.

Relevant Concepts

3. Understand the structure of DNA and the replication process:
   • Leading Strand: Synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork.
   • Lagging Strand: Synthesized in short segments (Okazaki fragments) away from the fork.

Analysis and Detail

4. During DNA replication, the strands are oriented in opposite directions. The leading strand is synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction towards the replication fork, whereas the lagging strand is synthesized in the opposite direction and results in discontinuous segments.

Verify and Summarize

5. Based on the understanding of DNA replication mechanics, the strand that elongates toward the replication fork is clearly identified as the leading strand.

Final Answer

The strand that elongates toward the replication fork is the leading strand.