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Multiple Choice
Which sugar is found in the backbone of DNA?
A
Fructose
B
Glucose
C
Ribose
D
Deoxyribose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the structure of DNA. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is composed of a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases. The sugar in the backbone is crucial for the structure and function of DNA.
Step 2: Recall the difference between RNA and DNA. RNA contains ribose as its sugar, while DNA contains deoxyribose. Deoxyribose is a modified form of ribose where one oxygen atom is removed from the hydroxyl group at the 2' carbon.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided. Fructose and glucose are monosaccharides commonly involved in energy metabolism, but they are not part of the DNA structure. Ribose is found in RNA, not DNA.
Step 4: Focus on the term 'deoxyribose.' The prefix 'deoxy-' indicates the removal of an oxygen atom, which distinguishes deoxyribose from ribose. This sugar is specific to DNA and forms part of its backbone.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct sugar found in the backbone of DNA is deoxyribose, as it is integral to the structure of DNA and differentiates it from RNA.