Which of the following best describes the addition of nucleotides to a growing DNA chain?
A)A nucleoside triphosphate is added to the 5' end of the DNA, releasing a molecule of pyrophosphate.
B)A nucleoside triphosphate is added to the 3' end of the DNA, releasing a molecule of pyrophosphate.
C)A nucleoside diphosphate is added to the 5' end of the DNA, releasing a molecule of phosphate.
D)A nucleoside diphosphate is added to the 3' end of the DNA, releasing a molecule of phosphate.
E)A nucleoside monophosphate is added to the 5' end of the DNA.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The addition of nucleotides to a growing DNA chain occurs through the formation of a phosphodiester bond between the 3' hydroxyl group of the previously added nucleotide and the phosphate group of the incoming nucleoside triphosphate. This results in the release of a molecule of pyrophosphate, which is then hydrolyzed into two inorganic phosphate molecules. Therefore, the correct answer is B because nucleotides are added to the 3' end of the DNA chain, releasing pyrophosphate.

Which of the Following Best Describes the Addition of Nucleotides