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Multiple Choice
In a single strand of DNA, how are the sugar molecules arranged within the backbone?
A
They are arranged in a random sequence along the strand.
B
They alternate with nitrogenous bases to form the backbone.
C
They are connected by phosphodiester bonds between the 3' carbon of one sugar and the 5' carbon of the next.
D
They are connected directly to each other by glycosidic 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 provides structural support, while the bases encode genetic information.
Identify the sugar molecule in DNA: The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, a five-carbon sugar. Each sugar molecule is part of a nucleotide, which also includes a phosphate group and a nitrogenous base.
Learn how the sugar molecules are connected: The sugar molecules in the backbone are linked by phosphodiester bonds. These bonds form between the 3' carbon of one sugar and the 5' carbon of the next sugar, creating a directional strand (5' to 3').
Clarify the role of phosphodiester bonds: Phosphodiester bonds are covalent bonds that connect the phosphate group of one nucleotide to the sugar of the next nucleotide. This linkage ensures the stability and continuity of the DNA strand.
Eliminate incorrect options: The sugar molecules do not alternate with nitrogenous bases in the backbone, nor are they connected directly by glycosidic bonds. Glycosidic bonds are found between sugars and bases within a nucleotide, not between sugars in the backbone.