In what direction is DNA read?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the orientation in which DNA is read during processes such as replication or transcription. DNA is read in the 5' to 3' direction, meaning that the nucleotides are added to the 3' end of the growing strand.
Answer
3′-5′
The final answer is DNA is read in the 3′-5′ direction during transcription and replication.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is DNA is read in the 3′-5′ direction during transcription and replication.
More Information
During DNA replication and transcription, enzymes read the DNA template strand in the 3′-5′ direction, while synthesis occurs in the 5′-3′ direction to ensure proper nucleotide addition.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse the reading direction with the synthesis direction. Remember, reading is from 3′ to 5′, and synthesis is from 5′ to 3′.
Sources
- Reading DNA: Where to Start - genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk
- From DNA to RNA - Molecular Biology of the Cell - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Directionality (molecular biology) - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
