During DNA replication, which direction does the DNA polymerase synthesize the n
Practice Questions
Q1
During DNA replication, which direction does the DNA polymerase synthesize the new strand?
5' to 3'
3' to 5'
Both directions
Randomly
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
During DNA replication, which direction does the DNA polymerase synthesize the new strand?
Step 1: Understand that DNA is made up of two strands that run in opposite directions.
Step 2: Know that each strand has a direction indicated by numbers: 5' (five prime) and 3' (three prime).
Step 3: Remember that DNA polymerase is the enzyme that builds new DNA strands.
Step 4: Learn that DNA polymerase can only add new nucleotides to the 3' end of a growing DNA strand.
Step 5: Conclude that because it adds nucleotides to the 3' end, the new strand is synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction.
Direction of DNA Synthesis – DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to the 3' end of a growing DNA strand, thus synthesizing in the 5' to 3' direction.
