The upcoming discussion will update you about the difference between Continuous and Discontinuous Replication.
Difference # Continuous Replication:
1. Occurs on leading of a replication fork.
2. Starts at the beginning of replication.
3. Progresses in on direction, i.e., towards the replication fork.
4. Synthesis of DNA takes place continuously.
5. In vivo need no RNA primer.
6. Only DNA polymerase III is involved.
Difference # Discontinuous Replication:
1. Takes place in lagging strand of a replication fork.
2. Starts somewhat later then that of leading strand.
3. Progresses in opposite direction, i.e., away from replication fork.
4. Short fragments are synthesised and subsequently , they are joined, i.e., synthesis of DNA is discontinuous.
5. Needs RNA primers.
6. Primase, DNA polymerase III, DNA polymerase I and DNA ligase are involved.