Which type of DNA strand is synthesized in Okazaki fragments?

The lagging strand is synthesized in Okazaki fragments during DNA replication. This occurs because DNA synthesis can only proceed in the 5' to 3' direction. On the lagging strand, which runs in the opposite direction (3' to 5'), DNA polymerase cannot continuously synthesize the strand in the same direction that the replication fork is opening. Instead, it synthesizes short segments of DNA, known as Okazaki fragments, which are later joined together by the enzyme DNA ligase to form a continuous strand. This mechanism is essential for the proper and efficient replication of the DNA in a systematic manner while dealing with the antiparallel structure of the DNA double helix. In contrast, the leading strand is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork, while chromosomal and template strands refer to other aspects of DNA structure and function without relating to the fragmented synthesis process.