Which end of DNA has the terminal hydroxyl group?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Master molecular genetics for the DAT with our targeted quizzes. Review key concepts through a variety of question formats and detailed explanations to boost your exam performance. Elevate your test preparedness today!

Multiple Choice

Which end of DNA has the terminal hydroxyl group?

Explanation:
DNA strands have polarity: one end has a free phosphate (the 5' end) and the other end has a free hydroxyl on the 3' carbon (the 3' end). The terminal hydroxyl is the 3' hydroxyl because the sugar at the 3' end retains an OH group, while the 5' end is capped by a phosphate group. This arrangement also explains how DNA polymerase adds new nucleotides, forming a phosphodiester bond between the 3' OH of the existing strand and the 5' phosphate of the incoming nucleotide, extending the chain at the 3' end.

DNA strands have polarity: one end has a free phosphate (the 5' end) and the other end has a free hydroxyl on the 3' carbon (the 3' end). The terminal hydroxyl is the 3' hydroxyl because the sugar at the 3' end retains an OH group, while the 5' end is capped by a phosphate group. This arrangement also explains how DNA polymerase adds new nucleotides, forming a phosphodiester bond between the 3' OH of the existing strand and the 5' phosphate of the incoming nucleotide, extending the chain at the 3' end.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy