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Multiple Choice
In nucleic acids, what type of bonds connect the deoxyribose sugars to the phosphate groups in the backbone of DNA?
A
Glycosidic bonds
B
Phosphodiester bonds
C
Hydrogen bonds
D
Peptide bonds
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA is composed of a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases. The backbone consists of alternating deoxyribose sugars and phosphate groups.
Identify the type of bond connecting the deoxyribose sugars to the phosphate groups: These bonds are covalent bonds that form between the hydroxyl group (-OH) on the 3' carbon of one sugar and the phosphate group attached to the 5' carbon of the next sugar.
Learn the specific name of these bonds: The covalent bonds connecting the sugars and phosphate groups are called phosphodiester bonds. They are essential for the stability and integrity of the DNA backbone.
Differentiate phosphodiester bonds from other types of bonds: Glycosidic bonds connect sugars to nitrogenous bases, hydrogen bonds connect complementary bases in the DNA double helix, and peptide bonds are found in proteins, not DNA.
Conclude that phosphodiester bonds are the correct answer: These bonds are responsible for linking the deoxyribose sugars to phosphate groups in the DNA backbone, ensuring the structural framework of the molecule.