If our DNA polymerase attaches to this side it must synthesize in the three to five direction and that is not allowed. Remember, the DNA polymerase can only synthesize in the five to three direction, it cannot synthesize from the three to five direction. So we see that this strand that is formed by using the three to five parent strand is known as the leading strand. And it's known as the leading strand because it is synthesized continuously without much problem. However, how exactly does the DNA polymerase actually synthesize the other parent strand that runs from the five to the three directions? So let's take a look at the following diagram and let's determine how this actually takes place.