Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure
DNA Structure
1:23 minutes
Problem 5a
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionOne strand of a fragment of duplex DNA has the sequence 5'-ATCGACCTGATC-3'.
What term is used to describe the polarity of two DNA strands in a duplex?
Verified Solution
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
1mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
DNA Polarity
DNA strands have directionality, referred to as polarity, which is determined by the orientation of the sugar-phosphate backbone. Each strand has a 5' end, where a phosphate group is attached, and a 3' end, where a hydroxyl group is present. This polarity is crucial for processes like DNA replication and transcription, as enzymes can only add nucleotides to the 3' end of a growing strand.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:45
DNA Proofreading
Antiparallel Structure
In a duplex DNA molecule, the two strands run in opposite directions, a feature known as antiparallelism. This means that if one strand runs from 5' to 3', the complementary strand runs from 3' to 5'. This arrangement is essential for the base pairing between the strands and for the proper functioning of DNA-related processes.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:53
Ribosome Structure
Complementary Base Pairing
DNA strands are held together by complementary base pairing, where adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and cytosine pairs with guanine (C-G). This specificity in pairing is vital for maintaining the integrity of genetic information during replication and transcription. The antiparallel orientation of the strands facilitates this pairing, ensuring that the genetic code is accurately preserved.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:49
Base Distortions
Related Videos
Related Practice