* Replication Fork: This is the Y-shaped structure where DNA is unwound and replicated.
* Replication Bubble: The entire region where DNA is unwound and being replicated. It's often shaped like a bubble because of the unwinding process.
Now, let's talk about the sides of the fork:
* Leading Strand: This is the strand that's synthesized continuously, moving in the same direction as the replication fork.
* Lagging Strand: This is the strand synthesized discontinuously in small fragments called Okazaki fragments. It moves in the opposite direction of the replication fork.
Why two forks?
Each replication fork is working independently to copy the DNA, so having two forks allows the replication process to happen much faster.
Let me know if you'd like more detail on any part of the replication process!
