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1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

14. DNA Replication

Discovering the Structure of DNA

Microbiology

14. DNA Replication

Discovering the Structure of DNA

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Multiple Choice

In the polymerization of DNA, a phosphodiester bond is formed between a phosphate group of the nucleotide being added and which of the following atoms or molecules of the last nucleotide in the DNA strand?

The 5' phosphate group.

C6.

The 3' OH.

A nitrogen from the nitrogen-containing base.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of a nucleotide: A nucleotide consists of a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA), and a nitrogenous base.

Identify the ends of a DNA strand: DNA strands have a directionality, with a 5' end and a 3' end. The 5' end has a free phosphate group, while the 3' end has a free hydroxyl group (OH) on the sugar.

Recognize the role of the 3' OH group: During DNA polymerization, the 3' OH group of the last nucleotide in the DNA strand is crucial for forming a new bond.

Describe the formation of the phosphodiester bond: The 3' OH group of the last nucleotide attacks the phosphate group of the incoming nucleotide, leading to the formation of a phosphodiester bond.

Conclude the process: This reaction extends the DNA strand by adding the new nucleotide to the 3' end, ensuring the strand grows in a 5' to 3' direction.