Textbook Question
Describe the differences in the two ends of a nucleic acid.
Ch.11 Nucleic Acids Big Molecules with a Big Role
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch.4 Introduction to Organic Compounds75
- Ch.5 Chemical Reactions19
- Ch.6 Carbohydrates Life's Sweet Molecules62
- Ch.7 States of Matter and Their Attractive Forces8
- Ch.8 Solution Chemistry Sugar and Water Do Mix4
- Ch.10 Proteins Workers of the Cell89
- Ch.11 Nucleic Acids Big Molecules with a Big Role69
- Ch.12 Food as Fuel An Overview of Metabolism65
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 7, Problem 15
Describe the orientation of antiparallel strands in DNA. Use the terms 3' and 5' in your description.
Verified step by step guidance1
DNA is composed of two strands that form a double helix structure.
Each strand of DNA has a directionality, which is determined by the orientation of the sugar-phosphate backbone.
The ends of each DNA strand are referred to as 3' (three prime) and 5' (five prime), based on the carbon numbers in the sugar molecule of the nucleotide.
In an antiparallel arrangement, one strand runs in the 5' to 3' direction, while the complementary strand runs in the 3' to 5' direction.
This antiparallel orientation is crucial for the complementary base pairing and the overall stability of the DNA double helix.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Antiparallel Strands
In DNA, the two strands run in opposite directions, a configuration known as antiparallel. This means that one strand runs from the 5' end to the 3' end, while the complementary strand runs from the 3' end to the 5' end. This orientation is crucial for the base pairing and the overall stability of the DNA double helix.
Recommended video:
Guided course
1:49
DNA Double Helix Example 1
5' and 3' Ends
The terms 5' (five prime) and 3' (three prime) refer to the carbon numbers in the DNA's sugar backbone. The 5' end has a phosphate group attached to the fifth carbon of the sugar, while the 3' end has a hydroxyl group attached to the third carbon. This directional notation is essential for understanding DNA replication and transcription processes.
Recommended video:
Guided course
1:43Primary Structure of Nucleic Acids Concept 2
Base Pairing
Base pairing refers to the specific hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases in DNA, where adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and cytosine pairs with guanine (C-G). This pairing occurs between the antiparallel strands, allowing for the complementary nature of the DNA structure. The orientation of the strands is vital for accurate base pairing and the integrity of genetic information.
Recommended video:
Guided course
2:56Base Pairing Concept 1
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Write the base sequence and label the 3' and 5' ends of the complementary strand for a segment of DNA with the following base sequences:
d. 5'CGCGATATTA3'
Textbook Question
Write the base sequence and label the 3' and 5' ends of the complementary strand for a segment of DNA with the following base sequences:
b. 5'CCCCTTTT3'
Textbook Question
How are the two strands of nucleic acid in DNA held together?
Textbook Question
Draw the dinucleotide AT that would be found in DNA. Label the 5' and 3' ends of your structure. Identify the phosphodiester bond.
Textbook Question
What is the name of the bond that joins nucleotides in a nucleic acid?