How is the observation that dNTPs (dATP, dGTP, dCTP, and dTTP) have the triphosphate bonded by phosphodiester bond to the 5’-OH group of the deoxyribose related to the observation that DNA replication proceeds only in the 5’ to 3’ direction?
Both the facts provided above are related.
The phosphate group is bonded to the OH situated at the 5' position of the deoxyribose sugar. At the 3'OH group the subsequent nucleotide is added. Both additions are due to the esterification reaction.
The 3' position containing OH binds to the next dNTP with the 5' site as shown in the figure:
The new nucleotides can be added from both sides the 3' end or the 5' end.
The reason for the addition of new dNTPs at the 3' end only is the DNA polymerase enzyme. It's action is to add the nucleotide from the 3' end only.
Comment for further assistance. Please upvote.
Thanks.
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 1 hours.