Question

Nucleic acid can be synthesized only in the direction of

• A. 3-3
• B. 3-5
• C. 5-3
• D. 5-5

Answer 1

The correct option is C

5-3

The correct option is C.

The explanation for the correct option:

1. Nucleic acid can only be synthesized in the 5-3 direction.
2. The main characteristic of nucleic acids is that they have two distinct ends:
3. 5' (5-prime) and 3' (3-prime).
4. This terminology refers to the sugar's 5' and 3' carbons.
5. Forming phosphodiester bonds between the 3' carbon of one nucleotide and the 5' carbon of another nucleotide is the process.
6. This results in the formation of the "sugar-phosphate backbone."
7. Both DNA and RNA have a phosphate group at the 5' end and a hydroxyl group at the 3' end.

Final answer: Nucleic acid can be synthesized only in the direction of 5-3.