How do the two strands of a DNA double helix run in relation to each other?

The two strands of a DNA double helix run in an antiparallel orientation, which means that they are oriented in opposite directions. Each strand is composed of nucleotides, which have a phosphate group and a sugar component. The sugar molecules in the DNA strands are arranged such that the 5’ (five prime) end of one strand aligns with the 3’ (three prime) end of the opposite strand. This antiparallel arrangement is critical for the function of DNA because it allows for the complementary base pairing between the strands, facilitating accurate replication and transcription processes.

The antiparallel nature of DNA helps in the proper alignment of the bases for hydrogen bonding, ensuring that adenine pairs with thymine and guanine pairs with cytosine. This structural feature is essential for the replication of DNA and for the stability of the double helix structure itself. Without this specific orientation, the mechanisms of DNA replication and the processes that rely on DNA would likely fail to function correctly, leading to issues in genetic inheritance.