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Multiple Choice
Which of the following structures is a component of nucleic acids?
A
Fatty acid chain
B
Amino group (–NH₂)
C
Phosphate group
D
Glycerol backbone
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structure of nucleic acids, which are macromolecules like DNA and RNA. They are composed of three main components: a phosphate group, a sugar molecule (either ribose or deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base.
Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. Fatty acid chains are components of lipids, not nucleic acids. Glycerol backbones are also part of lipids, specifically triglycerides and phospholipids.
Step 3: Consider the amino group (–NH₂). While amino groups are part of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, they are not a structural component of nucleic acids.
Step 4: Focus on the phosphate group. Phosphate groups are integral to the structure of nucleic acids, forming the backbone of the molecule along with the sugar. They connect the sugar molecules of adjacent nucleotides through phosphodiester bonds.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the phosphate group, as it is a key structural component of nucleic acids, distinguishing them from other macromolecules like proteins and lipids.