Biological Science (6th Edition)

Published by Benjamin Cummings
ISBN 10: 0321976495
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-649-9

Chapter 4 - Nucleic Acids and the RNA World - Review - Page 105: 4

Answer

DNA and RNA strands are referred to as directional because they have a 3' end and a 5' end. Distinct directionality exists in these strands because the 3' end has a carboxyl group and the 5' end has a phosphate group. These functional groups are therefore responsible for differentiating the two ends of the nuclei acid strand.

Work Step by Step

DNA and RNA strands are referred to as directional because they have a 3' end and a 5' end. Distinct directionality exists in these strands because the 3' end has a carboxyl group and the 5' end has a phosphate group. These functional groups are therefore responsible for differentiating the two ends of the nuclei acid strand.
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