Multiple Choice
Which nitrogenous base, if present in a nucleic acid, would indicate that the molecule is RNA and not DNA?
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1. Introduction to Biochemistry
Nucleic Acids
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When nucleotides polymerize to form a nucleic acid, ________.
A
hydrogen bonds form between the phosphate groups of adjacent nucleotides.
B
peptide bonds link the nitrogenous bases together.
C
disulfide bridges connect the sugar moieties.
D
a phosphodiester bond forms between the 3' hydroxyl of one nucleotide and the 5' phosphate of the next.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of a nucleotide: A nucleotide consists of three components—a phosphate group, a sugar (either ribose or deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base.
Recognize the directionality of nucleic acids: Nucleotides are linked in a specific orientation, with the 5' end containing a phosphate group and the 3' end containing a hydroxyl (-OH) group on the sugar.
Learn the type of bond formed during polymerization: When nucleotides polymerize to form a nucleic acid, a phosphodiester bond is formed between the 3' hydroxyl group of one nucleotide and the 5' phosphate group of the next nucleotide.
Understand the role of enzymes: The enzyme DNA or RNA polymerase facilitates the formation of phosphodiester bonds during nucleic acid synthesis, ensuring the correct sequence of nucleotides.
Clarify misconceptions: Hydrogen bonds form between complementary nitrogenous bases in double-stranded DNA, not between phosphate groups. Peptide bonds are specific to proteins, and disulfide bridges occur in protein folding, not nucleic acid formation.
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