How is the order of nucleotides in DNA written?

Study for the Biochemistry Module 6 Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question includes hints and explanations. Gear up to ace your test!

Multiple Choice

How is the order of nucleotides in DNA written?

Explanation:
DNA has directionality defined by the sugar-phosphate backbone. Each nucleotide has a 5' phosphate and a 3' hydroxyl, and DNA polymerases add new nucleotides to the 3' end, so the chain grows in the 5' to 3' direction. Standard notation writes the sequence from the 5' end toward the 3' end. The idea that a strand is read 3' to 5' applies to how a template is used during synthesis, not how the strand’s own sequence is written. Base pairing (A with T) describes which bases pair, not the direction of writing. Therefore, the sequence is written in the 5' to 3' direction.

DNA has directionality defined by the sugar-phosphate backbone. Each nucleotide has a 5' phosphate and a 3' hydroxyl, and DNA polymerases add new nucleotides to the 3' end, so the chain grows in the 5' to 3' direction. Standard notation writes the sequence from the 5' end toward the 3' end. The idea that a strand is read 3' to 5' applies to how a template is used during synthesis, not how the strand’s own sequence is written. Base pairing (A with T) describes which bases pair, not the direction of writing. Therefore, the sequence is written in the 5' to 3' direction.

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