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Multiple Choice
DNA strands are described as antiparallel. What does this mean?
A
Both strands run in the same 5' to 3' direction.
B
One strand runs in the 5' to 3' direction, while the other runs in the 3' to 5' direction.
C
The strands are identical in sequence and orientation.
D
The strands are parallel but have different base compositions.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that DNA is composed of two strands forming a double helix structure.
Recall that each DNA strand has a directionality, defined by the 5' (five prime) and 3' (three prime) ends, which refer to the carbon numbers in the sugar backbone of the DNA.
Recognize that 'antiparallel' means the two strands run in opposite directions: one strand runs from 5' to 3', and the complementary strand runs from 3' to 5'.
This opposite orientation is crucial for the base pairing and the enzymatic processes like DNA replication and transcription.
Therefore, the term 'antiparallel' specifically refers to the strands having opposite 5' to 3' directions, not the same direction or identical sequences.