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Question
Biology
Posted 6 months ago
Why does the DNA strand grow only in the
5'to 3' direction
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Answer from Sia
Posted 6 months ago
Answer
DNA strands grow only in the 5' to 3' direction due to the enzymatic activity of DNA polymerase.
Solution
a
Enzyme specificity: DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to the 3' end of a DNA strand
b
Direction of synthesis: The DNA strand grows as nucleotides are added to the 3' hydroxyl group, resulting in a 5' to 3' direction of synthesis
c
Energy for bond formation: The addition of a nucleotide comes from the nucleotide triphosphate (dNTP), which releases two phosphates as pyrophosphate and provides energy for the formation of the new phosphodiester bond
Key Concept
DNA polymerase enzyme specificity
Explanation
DNA polymerase requires a free 3' hydroxyl group to add nucleotides, which inherently dictates that DNA synthesis proceeds in the 5' to 3' direction.
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