polar backbone faces water
What polar backbone faces water means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of polar backbone faces water
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain polar backbone faces water in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Being a chain of negative charges, the backbone is strongly attracted to water, which is why it faces outwards while the flat, far less polar bases point inwards.
Topics that use polar backbone faces water
- DNA (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- 2-deoxyribose
- charged phosphate groups
- complementary base pairing
- hydrogen bonding between bases
- phosphate bridge between sugars
- purine with pyrimidine
- alternating backbone
- base sequence stores information
Using polar backbone faces water in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Chemistry questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge