During DNA replication, which direction does the DNA polymerase synthesize the n

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Question: During DNA replication, which direction does the DNA polymerase synthesize the new strand?

Options:

Correct Answer: 5\' to 3\'

Solution:

DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands in the 5\' to 3\' direction.

During DNA replication, which direction does the DNA polymerase synthesize the new strand?

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.