What term describes the orientation of the two strands of DNA running in opposite directions?

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The term that describes the orientation of the two strands of DNA running in opposite directions is "antiparallel." This means that one strand runs in the 5' to 3' direction while the other runs in the 3' to 5' direction. This antiparallel configuration is essential for the complementary base pairing that occurs during DNA replication and transcription.

The orientation allows for the proper alignment of nucleotides, enabling enzymes such as DNA polymerase to synthesize new strands by adding nucleotides to the growing strand in a single direction. This structural feature is crucial for the overall stability and functionality of the DNA molecule, influencing how it is replicated and how it serves as a template for RNA synthesis.