Answer to Question #214503 in Molecular Biology for Moe

Question

2.2) Why does DNA synthesis only proceed in the 5’ to 3’ direction?

1. Because DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to the 3´ end of the polynucleotide strand.
2. Because the 3´ end of the polynucleotide molecule is more electronegative that the 5´ end.
3. Because that is the direction in which the two strands of DNA unzip.
4. Because that is the only direction that polymerase can be oriented.
5. Because the chromosomes are always aligned in the 5´ to the 3´ direction in the nucleus.

Answer 1

1.Because DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to the 3´ end of the polynucleotide strand.