The convention in all notations of nucleic acid structure is to read the polynucleotide chain from the ____ of the polymer to the ____.
A) poly U head; poly A tail
B) 3'-end; 5'-tail
C) 5'-end; 3'-end
D) poly-p head; 5'-end
E) none are true

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The convention in all notations of nucleic acid structure is to read the polynucleotide chain from the 5'-end of the polymer to the 3'-end. This follows the directionality of the molecule, in which the 5' end has a phosphate group attached to the 5' carbon of the sugar, and the 3' end has a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to the 3' carbon of the sugar.

The Convention in All Notations of Nucleic Acid Structure Is