TRUE/FALSE

The antiparallel arrangement of double-stranded DNA is due to the phosphate group being bonded to the 3' carbon on one strand and the 5' carbon on the complementary strand.

False

Explanation:

A double-helical DNA molecule consists of two DNA strands. A DNA strand has free 5' phosphate at one end and a free hydroxyl group (OH) at its 3' end. A DNA double helix is said to be antiparallel since each end of the double helix has an exposed 5' phosphate on one strand and a free 3' hydroxyl group (OH) on the other. This means that the two DNA strands run in opposite directions. A phosphate group is always esterified to the 5' carbon of the pentose sugar; never at its 3' end.