The ___________ of the nucleotides in each strand of DNA extend toward each other in the center of the DNA double helix molecule.
The answer to this question lies in the basic structure of DNA. To understand it, let's break it down step by step.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms. It consists of two strands that twist around each other to form a double helix structure.
Each strand of DNA is made up of repeating units called nucleotides. A nucleotide consists of three components: a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. There are four different nitrogenous bases in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
In the DNA double helix, the two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases. The nitrogenous bases are complementary, meaning that adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) always pairs with guanine (G).
Now, back to the question. The blanks in the question ask for the term that describes the arrangement of the nucleotides in each strand of DNA that extends toward each other in the center of the double helix molecule. This arrangement is called "antiparallel."
The term "antiparallel" refers to the orientation of the two DNA strands in the double helix. The two strands run in opposite directions, with one strand oriented in the 5' to 3' direction and the other in the 3' to 5' direction. The 5' end of one strand is opposite the 3' end of the other strand.
In summary, the nucleotides in each strand of DNA extend toward each other in the center of the DNA double helix molecule in an antiparallel arrangement.