- #1
sameeralord
- 662
- 3
Ok I can see the 5 end is negative, is the 3 end positive due to OH. So in other strand this goes other way round. Is this what they mean when they say there is reverse polarity in a DNA molecule. Thanks!
What does reverse polarity in a DNA molecule mean?
In summary, reverse polarity in a DNA molecule refers to the arrangement of nucleotides where the 3' end of one strand is paired with the 5' end of the other, resulting in opposite directions. It can occur during DNA replication or naturally in certain regions of the genome. This can lead to errors in DNA replication and affect the stability of the molecule. It can be detected through techniques like DNA sequencing and can sometimes be corrected by the cell's mechanisms or enzymes.
Ok I can see the 5 end is negative, is the 3 end positive due to OH. So in other strand this goes other way round. Is this what they mean when they say there is reverse polarity in a DNA molecule. Thanks!
- #2
- 3,759
- 4,199
Yes. If you think of each strand of DNA as an arrow pointing from the 5' end to the 3' end, when the two strands of DNA pair together, the arrows would be pointing in opposite directions as opposed to the same direction.
Related to What does reverse polarity in a DNA molecule mean?
1. What exactly is reverse polarity in a DNA molecule?
Reverse polarity refers to the arrangement of nucleotides in a DNA molecule wherein the 3' end of one strand is paired with the 5' end of the other strand, instead of the more common 3'-5' arrangement. This results in the two strands being oriented in opposite directions.
2. How does reverse polarity occur in a DNA molecule?
Reverse polarity can occur during DNA replication, when the enzyme responsible for copying the DNA (DNA polymerase) makes a mistake and adds nucleotides in the wrong orientation. It can also occur naturally in certain regions of the genome, such as telomeres, to protect the ends of chromosomes.
3. What are the implications of reverse polarity in a DNA molecule?
Reverse polarity can affect the accuracy of DNA replication and lead to errors in the genetic code. It can also affect the stability of the DNA molecule, as the two strands are not as tightly bound together as in a normal 3'-5' arrangement.
4. How is reverse polarity detected in a DNA molecule?
Reverse polarity can be detected through various techniques, such as DNA sequencing or gel electrophoresis. These techniques allow scientists to visualize the orientation of nucleotides in a DNA molecule and determine if reverse polarity has occurred.
5. Can reverse polarity in a DNA molecule be corrected?
In most cases, reverse polarity cannot be corrected as it is a natural occurrence. However, if the error occurs during DNA replication, the cell has mechanisms in place to detect and correct these mistakes. Additionally, certain enzymes can recognize and repair reverse polarity in DNA.
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