27. The presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH) exclusively at the 3′ carbon of the deoxyribose sugar is functionally vital during DNA replication because it
A.
Acts as the mandatory nucleophile required to attach the next incoming nucleotide
✓
B.
Binds directly to the nitrogenous base of the opposing strand
C.
Stabilizes the major groove of the double helix
D.
Triggers the destruction of the template strand
📝 Explanation
DNA polymerases require a free 3'-OH group to form a phosphodiester bond with the 5' phosphate group of an incoming dNTP.
📖 Additional Information
Acts as the mandatory nucleophile required to attach the next incoming nucleotide
Binds directly to the nitrogenous base of the opposing strand
Stabilizes the major groove of the double helix
Triggers the destruction of the template strand
DNA polymerases require a free 3'-OH group to form a phosphodiester bond with the 5' phosphate group of an incoming dNTP.
