The end of the nucleic acid chain to which more nucleotides are added during DNA synthesis is always the
A) 5 prime end.
B) C terminal.
C) 3 prime end.
D) N terminal.
E) -COOH terminal.

Question

The end of the nucleic acid chain to which more nucleotides are added during DNA synthesis is always the
A) 5 prime end.
B) C terminal.
C) 3 prime end.
D) N terminal.
E) -COOH terminal.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 3 prime end of the nucleic acid chain is the end to which new nucleotides are added during DNA synthesis. This is because the 3 prime end has a hydroxyl (-OH) group, which is necessary for the formation of a phosphodiester bond with the 5 prime phosphate group of the incoming nucleotide. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer.

The End of the Nucleic Acid Chain to Which More