Biomolecules Question 38
38. Antiparallel strands of a DNA molecule means that
[2005]
(a) the phosphate groups of two DNA strands, at their ends. share the same position
(b) the phosphate groups at the start of two DNA strands are in opposite position (pole)
(c) one strand turns clockwise
(d) one strand turns anti-clockwise
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Answer : a
Hints & Solutions
(a) Antiparallel strands of DNA have two strands having phosphate groups at same positions in space. The antiparallel structure of DNA is important in DNA replication because it replicates the leading strand one way and the lagging strand the other way. During DNA replication the leading strand is replicated continuously whereas the lagging strand is replicated in segments known as Okazaki fragments.
