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Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly lists the components of a nucleic acid?
A
A monosaccharide, a disaccharide, and a polysaccharide
B
An amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain (R group)
C
A fatty acid, a glycerol, and a phosphate group
D
A nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structure of nucleic acids. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are macromolecules that store genetic information. They are composed of repeating units called nucleotides.
Step 2: Break down the components of a nucleotide. Each nucleotide consists of three key parts: a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group.
Step 3: Explain the nitrogenous base. Nitrogenous bases are organic molecules that contain nitrogen atoms. They are classified into purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine, and uracil).
Step 4: Describe the pentose sugar. The pentose sugar is a five-carbon sugar. In DNA, the sugar is deoxyribose, while in RNA, it is ribose. The sugar forms the backbone of the nucleic acid structure.
Step 5: Discuss the phosphate group. The phosphate group is attached to the pentose sugar and plays a critical role in linking nucleotides together through phosphodiester bonds, forming the nucleic acid polymer.