What are the two ends of DNA?

Study with the DAT Bootcamp Molecules and Fundamentals of Biology test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare effectively.

Multiple Choice

What are the two ends of DNA?

Explanation:
DNA has directionality: its sugar-phosphate backbone is built from 5' to 3' as nucleotides connect from the 5' phosphate of one nucleotide to the 3' hydroxyl of the next. This creates a free 5' phosphate at one end and a free 3' hydroxyl at the other end. In a double-stranded molecule, each strand carries these ends, so the molecule has both a 5' end and a 3' end. Therefore, the two ends are the 5' end and the 3' end. The other options imply only one end or none, which isn’t accurate.

DNA has directionality: its sugar-phosphate backbone is built from 5' to 3' as nucleotides connect from the 5' phosphate of one nucleotide to the 3' hydroxyl of the next. This creates a free 5' phosphate at one end and a free 3' hydroxyl at the other end. In a double-stranded molecule, each strand carries these ends, so the molecule has both a 5' end and a 3' end. Therefore, the two ends are the 5' end and the 3' end. The other options imply only one end or none, which isn’t accurate.

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