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The two strands of a DNA double helix are antiparallel, meaning one runs 5' to 3' and the other runs:
A2' to 4'
B3' to 5'
C5' to 3'
D1' to 5'
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. 3' to 5'
1. Antiparallel describes two strands running alongside each other in opposite directions.
2. One strand runs in the 5 prime to 3 prime direction.
3. The complementary strand runs in the 3 prime to 5 prime direction.
4. The carbon atoms of the five-carbon sugar are numbered 1 prime through 5 prime, so 1 prime and 2 prime are not strand directions.
_Source: OpenStax Biology for AP(R) Courses (CC BY 4.0), Ch 14 'DNA Structure and Function', sections 14.1-14.6_
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