Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the correct structure of DNA components?
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14. DNA Synthesis
Discovering the Structure of DNA
Multiple Choice
Which component of the DNA double helix forms the 'rungs' connecting the two strands?
A
Deoxyribose sugars
B
Nitrogenous bases
C
Phosphate groups
D
Histone proteins
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of the DNA double helix: DNA is composed of two strands that are twisted into a helical shape. Each strand consists of a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases.
Identify the components of the DNA double helix: The sugar-phosphate backbone forms the sides of the helix, while the nitrogenous bases are located in the center, connecting the two strands.
Learn about the nitrogenous bases: DNA contains four types of nitrogenous bases—adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These bases pair specifically (A with T, and C with G) through hydrogen bonds.
Visualize the 'rungs' of the DNA ladder: The nitrogenous bases from each strand pair up and form the 'rungs' of the ladder-like structure, connecting the two strands of the DNA helix.
Clarify why other components are not the 'rungs': Deoxyribose sugars and phosphate groups form the backbone of the DNA strands, while histone proteins are involved in DNA packaging, not the structure of the double helix itself.
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