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The diagram shows the structure of part of a DNA molecule - Scottish Highers Biology - Question 1 - 2022
Question 1
The diagram shows the structure of part of a DNA molecule. The diagram also includes: - subunit X - prime end Y Which row in the table identifies subunit X and pri... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows the structure of part of a DNA molecule - Scottish Highers Biology - Question 1 - 2022
Step 1
Identify subunit X and prime end Y
Answer
To determine what subunit X and prime end Y correspond to in terms of the structure of DNA, we need to recall that:
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Subunit X: In DNA, the subunits are nucleotides, which consist of a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base.
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Prime end Y: The designation of the 5’ and 3’ ends refer to specific carbon atoms in the sugar molecule of the nucleotide. The 5’ end has a phosphate group attached and the 3’ end has a hydroxyl group.
From the options provided:
- Option A identifies subunit X as a nucleotide and prime end Y as 3’.
- Option D identifies subunit X as a nucleotide and prime end Y as 5’.
Given that the strand starts with a 5’ end and subunit X is indeed a nucleotide, the correct answer is:
- Subunit X: nucleotide
- Prime end Y: 5’.
Based on the information given, the correct answer is option D.