DNA Polymerases Add New Nucleotides in What Direction

Question

DNA polymerases add new nucleotides in what direction?
A) 5' to 3'
B) 3 ' to 5'
C) Both directions

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerases add new nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction, meaning they add nucleotides to the 3' end of the growing strand. This is because DNA polymerases can only read the template strand in the 3' to 5' direction, so they must synthesize the new strand in the opposite direction.