Question

Double-stranded DNA consists of two antiparallel strands, meaning that one strand is oriented in the 5' to 3' direction, while the other is oriented in the 3' to 5' direction.

a. true
b. false

Answer 1

The statement that double-stranded DNA has two antiparallel strands, with one oriented 5' to 3' and the other 3' to 5', is true. The antiparallel structure is essential for DNA's function and stability.

Step-by-step explanation:

Double-stranded DNA consists of two antiparallel strands, meaning that one strand is oriented in the 5' to 3' direction, while the other is oriented in the 3' to 5' direction. This statement is true. In the structure of DNA, the two strands are indeed antiparallel, allowing the 5' end of one strand to face the 3' end of the complementary strand. This orientation is crucial for various DNA functions, including replication and repair. In addition, the 3' and 5' terms refer to the direction of carbon atoms in the deoxyribose sugar in the DNA backbone, with 3' denoting the third carbon atom and 5' denoting the fifth carbon atom. This configuration is vital for the pairing of complementary bases, with adenine always pairing with thymine and cytosine always pairing with guanine, forming the steps of the DNA double helix like a twisted ladder.

Answer 2

The answer is a) True.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structure of DNA gives information about why it's the genetic molecule. Being antiparallel means, as the question says, that one goes from 5' to 3' and the other one from 3' to 5'. Also there's a correspondency on the bases, this means that when it's separated and replicated, the result will be the same information but in two separate and complete DNA.