Antiparallel strands of a DNA molecule mean that:
Correct answer: D. The phosphate groups at the start of two DNA strands are in opposite positions (poles)
- A. One strand turns clockwise
- B. One strand turns anti-clockwise
- C. The phosphate groups of two DNA strands, at their ends, share the same position
- D. The phosphate groups at the start of two DNA strands are in opposite positions (poles)
Explanation
DNA is a type of nucleic acid that forms genetic material in many organisms. It consists of a long polymer of nucleotides that transcribes the coded information in the form of a triplet code of nucleotides in mRNA. It is a double helical molecule. The two strands of DNA run in opposite directions to one another with hydrogen bonds between them. One strand of DNA has a 5'-3' direction and the other strand has a 3'-5' direction, so they are antiparallel. This direction is determined by the presence of a free phosphate or OH group at the end of the strand.
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Chromosomes are DNA-protein structures that carry genes and become visible during cell division. Coverage includes chromatin, centromeres, sister chromatids, homologous chromosomes, chromosome number, and the distinction between diploid and haploid cells, with links to DNA replication, mitosis and meiosis.
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