The strands that make up DNA are antiparallel, meaning that
A) one strand is positively charged, and the other is negatively charged.
B) the base pairings create unequal spacing between the two DNA strands.
C) the 5ʹ-to-3ʹ direction of one strand is opposite to the 5ʹ-to-3ʹ direction of the other strand.
D) the twisting of the DNA molecule has shifted the two strands.
E) purines bond with purines, and pyrimidines bond with pyrimidines.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 5ʹ-to-3ʹ direction of one strand is opposite to the 5ʹ-to-3ʹ direction of the other strand. The two strands of DNA run in opposite directions, with the 5ʹ end of one strand facing the 3ʹ end of the other strand. This antiparallel orientation allows for base pairing of the complementary nitrogenous bases and the formation of hydrogen bonds between the base pairs.

The Strands That Make Up DNA Are Antiparallel, Meaning That