Where is the Next Nucleotide Added to the Growing Chain

Question

Where is the next nucleotide added to the growing chain during DNA replication?
A) 3' hydroxyl
B) 3' phosphate
C) 5' hydroxyl
D) 5' phosphate

Accepted Answer

The next nucleotide is added to the 3' hydroxyl group of the previous nucleotide, so choice A is correct. Choice B is incorrect because a phosphate group is not involved in forming the bond between nucleotides during DNA replication. Choices C and D are incorrect because they refer to the opposite end of the nucleotide and are not involved in forming the phosphodiester bonds that connect nucleotides in a growing DNA chain.