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Multiple Choice
Which sugar is found in the backbone of DNA?
A
Fructose
B
Deoxyribose
C
Ribose
D
Glucose
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 type of sugar in DNA. The sugar in DNA is a pentose sugar, meaning it has five carbon atoms.
Step 3: Compare the options provided. Fructose and glucose are hexose sugars (six carbon atoms), so they cannot be part of the DNA backbone. Ribose is a pentose sugar, but it is found in RNA, not DNA.
Step 4: Recognize the unique sugar in DNA. DNA contains deoxyribose, which is a modified form of ribose where the hydroxyl group (-OH) on the 2' carbon is replaced by a hydrogen atom (-H). This distinguishes DNA from RNA.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct sugar in the backbone of DNA is deoxyribose, as it is specifically designed for the structure and function of DNA.