Which of the following statements about the 5' end of a polynucleotide strand of RNA is correct?
A) The 5' end has a hydroxyl group attached to the number 5 carbon of ribose.
B) The 5' end has phosphate attached to the number 5 carbon of the nitrogenous base.
C) The 5' end has a carboxyl group attached to the number 5 carbon of ribose.
D) The 5' end is the fifth position on one of the nitrogenous bases.
E) The 5' end has a phosphate group attached to the number 5 carbon of ribose.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 5' end of a polynucleotide strand of RNA has a phosphate group attached to the number 5 carbon of ribose. This phosphate group is necessary for the formation of phosphodiester bonds between adjacent nucleotides in the strand. The presence of this phosphate group also distinguishes the 5' end from the 3' end, which has a hydroxyl group attached to the number 3 carbon of ribose.

Which of the Following Statements About the 5' End of a Polynucleotide