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Multiple Choice
A hydroxyl group is present at the 3' end of the growing DNA strand. What functional group is typically found at the 5' end?
A
Methyl group
B
Amino group
C
Carboxyl group
D
Phosphate group
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of a DNA strand: DNA strands have directionality, characterized by a 5' end and a 3' end.
Identify the functional groups at each end: The 3' end of a DNA strand typically has a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the sugar molecule.
Recognize the functional group at the 5' end: The 5' end of a DNA strand is characterized by the presence of a phosphate group.
Explore the role of the phosphate group: The phosphate group is crucial for forming phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides, linking the 5' end of one nucleotide to the 3' end of another.
Visualize the chemical structure: The phosphate group at the 5' end can be represented as , indicating its negative charge and role in DNA backbone formation.