What is meant by the description "antiparallel" regarding the two strands that make up the DNA double helix?
A) The double helix structure of DNA creates nonparallel strands.
B) The 5' to 3' direction of one strand runs counter to the 5' to 3' direction of the other strand.
C) Base pairings create unequal spacing between the two DNA strands.
D) One strand contains only purines and the other contains only pyrimidines.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antiparallel refers to the fact that the 5' to 3' direction of one strand runs counter to the 5' to 3' direction of the other strand. This means that one strand has a 5' end and a 3' end, while the other strand has a 3' end and a 5' end. This is important for DNA replication and transcription, as the enzymes involved can only add nucleotides in a specific direction.

What Is Meant by the Description "Antiparallel" Regarding the Two