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Questions and Answers
What term describes the orientation of the two strands of DNA?
What term describes the orientation of the two strands of DNA?
- Antiparallel strands (correct)
- Complementary strands
- Covalently bonded
- Parallel strands
What is the active site of DNA polymerase complementary to?
What is the active site of DNA polymerase complementary to?
3' end
At which end does DNA polymerase add nucleotides to the new strand?
At which end does DNA polymerase add nucleotides to the new strand?
3' end
In what direction is the new strand synthesized?
In what direction is the new strand synthesized?
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In which direction does DNA polymerase move down the template strand?
In which direction does DNA polymerase move down the template strand?
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How does the DNA polymerase working on each strand move?
How does the DNA polymerase working on each strand move?
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Why does DNA polymerase working on each strand move in the opposite direction?
Why does DNA polymerase working on each strand move in the opposite direction?
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What is the function of DNA polymerase?
What is the function of DNA polymerase?
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Study Notes
DNA Structure and Function
- DNA consists of two antiparallel strands, running in opposite directions which is crucial for its structure and function.
- DNA polymerase operates with specificity; its active site is complementary to the 3' end of the DNA strand.
DNA Replication Process
- During DNA replication, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the new strand exclusively at the 3' end, ensuring the new DNA is synthesized in a specific orientation.
- The new strand of DNA is constructed in a 5' to 3' direction, reflecting the directionality of DNA synthesis.
- As DNA polymerase works on the template strand, it moves in a 3' to 5' direction, enabling the addition of nucleotides to the growing 3' end of the new strand.
Directionality in DNA Synthesis
- The directional movement of DNA polymerase on each strand is opposite due to the antiparallel nature of the DNA double helix.
- The antiparallel orientation of strands necessitates that DNA polymerase on each strand synthesizes DNA in opposing directions.
Role of DNA Polymerase
- The primary function of DNA polymerase is to catalyze the condensation reaction involved in joining nucleotides, facilitating the formation of new DNA strands during replication.
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