Answer the following questions about the accompanying diagram.

Which end of the DNA is closest to A? <>

Key Concepts

DNA Structure

DNA is a double helix composed of two strands running in opposite directions, known as antiparallel strands. Each strand has a 5' (five-prime) end and a 3' (three-prime) end, which are crucial for understanding the directionality of DNA. The 5' end has a phosphate group, while the 3' end has a hydroxyl group, influencing how DNA is replicated and transcribed.

Nucleotide Orientation

Nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, are linked together by phosphodiester bonds between the 5' phosphate group of one nucleotide and the 3' hydroxyl group of another. This orientation is essential for understanding how DNA strands are synthesized and how enzymes interact with DNA during processes like replication and transcription.

DNA Terminology

In molecular biology, the terms '5' end' and '3' end' are used to describe the orientation of the DNA strands. When analyzing a diagram, identifying which end is labeled as 5' or 3' helps determine the direction of the DNA strand and the location of specific features, such as genes or regulatory elements, in relation to other components.