DNA replication occurs concurrently on the leading and lagging strands. The leading strand runs in the same direction as the replication fork and allows for continuous DNA synthesis. The lagging strand runs in the opposite direction and requires discontinuous DNA synthesis in fragments called Okazaki fragments. DNA polymerase III is the main polymerase in E. coli, consisting of a dimer core enzyme and accessory proteins that allow for high processivity of DNA synthesis on both strands concurrently.