Which of the following conventions is used to specify the sequence of bases in DNA?
A) The sequence begins with the nucleotide that has a free 3' terminus.
B) The sequence begins with the nucleotide that has a free 5' terminus.
C) The sequence begins from the end closest to the first adenine.
D) The sequence begins from the end closest to the first thymine.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The convention used to specify the sequence of bases in DNA is to begin with the nucleotide that has a free 5' terminus. This convention is based on the fact that DNA polymerase adds new nucleotides to the 3' end of an existing nucleotide chain, so the sequence can be read in the 5' to 3' direction.

Which of the Following Conventions Is Used to Specify the Sequence