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Question

Why does synthesis of DNA proceed only in the 5 to 3 direction?
  1. DNA polymerases can only add nucleotides to the 3 end of a polynucleotide strand.
  2. The 3 end of the polynucleotide molecule is more electronegative than the 5 end.
  3. This is the direction in which the two strands of DNA unzip.
  4. The chromosomes are always aligned in the 5 to 3 direction in the nucleus.

A
The 3 end of the polynucleotide molecule is more electronegative than the 5 end.
B
The chromosomes are always aligned in the 5 to 3 direction in the nucleus.
C
This is the direction in which the two strands of DNA unzip.
D
DNA polymerases can only add nucleotides to the 3 end of a polynucleotide strand.
Solution
Verified by Toppr

  • DNA polymerase enzyme helps in the synthesis of DNA molecules from deoxyribonucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. They are essential for DNA replication and usually works in a pair to create identical DNA strands.
  • DNA polymerases require 3' OH group for the initiation of synthesis of DNA strand. Therefore, it can synthesize in only one direction by extending the 3' end of the pre-existing nucleotide chain. Hence, DNA polymerase moves along the template strand in 3' - 5' direction and the daughter strand is formed in a 5' - 3' direction.
So, the correct option is 'DNA polymerases can only add nucleotides to the 3′ end of a polynucleotide strand'.

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Similar Questions
Q1
Why does synthesis of DNA proceed only in the 5 to 3 direction?
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Q2
DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the 3’ end of a primer, extending the new chain in a 5’ → 3’ direction.
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Q3
Assertion :Synthesis of daughter or new strand occurs continuously along the parent 3 5 strand. Reason: DNA polymerase can polymerise nucleotides in 3 5 direction on 5 3 strand.
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Q4
Which among the following statements is/are correct?

Statement 1: In the double-stranded DNA, only one strand serves as a template for the duplication of the new DNA.

Statement 2: Leading strand is continuously synthesised in 5’-3’ direction and lagging strand is discontinuously synthesised in 3’-5’ direction.

Statement 3: DNA polymerase reads the template strand in 5’-3’ direction.

Statement 4: Replication proceeds only in 5’-3’ direction

Choose the correct option
View Solution
Q5
Given below is the transcribed strand of the DNA duplex :3'-TACCGATCCGAGCTG-5'
(a)Draw the complementary DNA polynucleotide chain
(b)Construct the RNA molecule, which will'be transcribed.
View Solution