Question

Why are the two strands in a double helix said to be antiparallel to each other?

a. synthesis during replication goes 3' →5' in one strand and 5' →3' in the other strand
b. one strand is 3' →5' and the other strand is 5' →3' when viewed together.
c. the direction of synthesis is determined by which end the process starts from.
d. only one strand is synthesized at a time.
e. all of the above

Answer 1

The two strands in a DNA double helix are antiparallel, meaning they run in opposite directions. This allows for DNA replication and the synthesis of new complementary strands.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two strands in a DNA double helix are said to be antiparallel to each other because they run in opposite directions. One strand runs from 3' to 5', while the other runs from 5' to 3'. The antiparallel nature of the strands is important for DNA replication, as it allows each strand to serve as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand.