Question

List the following as true or false:

-the template strand is read in the 5' to 3' direction
-the template strand an be read in either direction depending on the genetic info encoded on the strand
-DNA polymerase catalyses new synthesis in a 5' to 3' direction
-DNA polymerase catalyses new synthesis in a 3' to 5' direction

Answer 1

The template strand is read in the 3' to 5' direction, and DNA polymerase catalyzes new synthesis in a 5' to 3' direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The template strand is read in the 3' to 5' direction (True). The DNA polymerase catalyzes new synthesis in a 5' to 3' direction (True). Therefore, the statements 'the template strand can be read in either direction depending on the genetic info encoded on the strand' (False) and 'DNA polymerase catalyzes new synthesis in a 3' to 5' direction' (False) are incorrect.DNA polymerase reads the template strand in the 3' to 5' direction and adds nucleotides only in the 5' to 3' direction. The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork, while the lagging strand is produced in short stretches called Okazaki fragments, oriented away from the replication fork.