DNA strands are considered to be antiparallel.This means the
A) phosphodiester bonds run in the same direction.
B) phosphodiester bonds run in different directions.
C) base pairs form hydrogen bonds.
D) phosphate backbone is on the outside of the helix.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antiparallel refers to the directionality of the two DNA strands. In a double helix, one strand runs in the 5' to 3' direction, while the other runs in the 3' to 5' direction. This is due to the orientation of the sugar-phosphate backbone, which runs in opposite directions on the two strands. Therefore, the phosphodiester bonds in the two strands run in different directions.

DNA Strands Are Considered to Be Antiparallel