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Multiple Choice
Which sugar is found in the backbone of DNA?
A
Ribose
B
Glucose
C
Fructose
D
Deoxyribose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the structure of DNA. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a molecule that carries genetic information. Its backbone is composed of alternating sugar and phosphate groups.
Step 2: Identify the sugar in DNA. The sugar in DNA is a pentose sugar, meaning it has five carbon atoms. This sugar is specifically deoxyribose, which is a modified form of ribose where the hydroxyl group (-OH) on the 2' carbon is replaced by a hydrogen (-H).
Step 3: Compare deoxyribose to other sugars listed in the options. Ribose is found in RNA, not DNA. Glucose and fructose are hexose sugars (six-carbon sugars) and are not part of the DNA structure.
Step 4: Recognize the significance of deoxyribose in DNA. The absence of the hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon makes DNA more chemically stable compared to RNA, which is crucial for its role in long-term genetic storage.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct sugar found in the backbone of DNA is deoxyribose, as it is specifically designed to form the structural framework of DNA molecules.