In: Biology
What does ‘antiparallel’ mean when referring to DNA?
DNA consists of two strands designated as 5'-3' and 3'-5', which refers to the presence of free phosphate group at 5' and free OH group at 3'.
The two strands of DNA are bound in the opposite direction which is referred as antiparallel. This is determined due to the presence of 5' and 3' groups at opposite ends.
5'--------------------------3'
3'--------------------------5'