The leading strand is one of the two strands in the double-stranded DNA molecule that is synthesized continuously during DNA replication. Here is a detailed explanation of how the leading strand replicates:

- The process of DNA replication begins with the unwinding of the double helix structure of DNA by the enzyme helicase.
- The enzyme topoisomerase helps to relieve the tension caused by the unwinding process.

- Primase enzyme synthesizes a short RNA primer on the leading strand.
- This primer provides a starting point for DNA polymerase to begin synthesizing new DNA.

- DNA polymerase III moves along the leading strand in the 5' to 3' direction, adding complementary nucleotides to the template strand.
- The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the same direction as the replication fork is moving, which is referred to as the leading strand synthesis.

- Once the entire leading strand has been replicated, DNA polymerase III detaches from the DNA molecule.
- The RNA primers are removed by the enzyme DNA polymerase I and replaced with DNA nucleotides.
- The gaps between the newly synthesized DNA fragments are sealed by the enzyme DNA ligase.
In summary, the leading strand replicates continuously in the 5' to 3' direction during DNA replication, resulting in the synthesis of a complete complementary strand of DNA. This process ensures accurate transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.

Both strands replicate