Cells only synthesize DNA from the 5′ to the 3′ end, and since double-stranded DNA is complementary, both strands cannot be replicated in the same way. How do cells handle this situation? View Available Hint(s) Cells only synthesize DNA from the 5′ to the 3′ end, and since double-stranded DNA is complementary, both strands cannot be replicated in the same way. How do cells handle this situation? The lagging strand is not synthesized at this point. The lagging strand must be synthesized in smaller units that are ultimately attached by the action of DNA ligase. Okazaki fragments are synthesized from both the leading and lagging strands. The lagging strand undergoes a conformational change to make a hairpin structure, which allows DNA synthesis in the proper order.