DNA Replication Occurs by Adding_________

Question

DNA replication occurs by adding_________ .
A)NTPs to the 5' end of the daughter strand
B)dNTPs to the 3' end of the template strand
C)NTPs to the 3' end of the daughter strand
D)dNTPs to the 3' end of the daughter strand
E)dNTPs to the 5' end of the template strand

Accepted Answer

During DNA replication, dNTPs (deoxynucleoside triphosphates) are added to the 3' end of the growing daughter strand. This occurs because DNA synthesis proceeds in a 5' to 3' direction, meaning that nucleotides are added to the 3' end of the growing strand. The dNTPs are complementary to the nucleotides on the template strand, which runs in the 3' to 5' direction, and base pairing between the complementary nucleotides ensures the accuracy of DNA replication. Therefore, the correct answer is D, which states that dNTPs are added to the 3' end of the daughter strand.