3'→5' Direction

Definition

This refers to how template strands of DNA are read during replication or transcription. Enzymes read these strands in this direction but synthesize new strands in the opposite direction (5’→3’).

Related terms

DNA Polymerase: An enzyme that catalyzes synthesis of new DNA molecules.

Template Strand:

The sequence of DNA that is copied during synthesis of mRNA.

Complementary Base Pairing:

Refers to adenine pairing with thymine (A-T) and cytosine pairing with guanine (C-G) in double-stranded DNA.