Understanding DNA Polymerase Directionality

Easy Biochemistry Nucleic Acids And Dna Replication

During DNA replication, several enzymes and proteins are involved in unwinding the DNA strands and synthesizing new DNA. One of these key enzymes, known as DNA polymerase, plays a crucial role by adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain. It can only add nucleotides in a specific direction. Consider the structure of a DNA molecule; it has two strands that run in opposite directions, often referred to as antiparallel. How does this affect the activity of DNA polymerase during replication?

DNA polymerase can add nucleotides to both strands simultaneously.

DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to the 3' end of a growing strand.

DNA polymerase can initiate the synthesis of nucleotides without a primer.

DNA polymerase operates optimally in a 5' to 3' direction for both strands.

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