Final answer:
During DNA replication, the template strand is read in the 3' to 5' direction and nucleotides are added in the 5' to 3' direction. The leading strand is synthesized away from the replication fork, while the lagging strand is synthesized towards the replication fork in short stretches called Okazaki fragments.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA polymerase reads the template strand in the 3' to 5' direction and adds nucleotides only in the 5' to 3' direction. The leading strand is synthesized in the direction away from the replication fork. Replication on the lagging strand occurs in the direction of the replication fork in short stretches of DNA called Okazaki fragments.