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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the structure of a DNA molecule?
A
A double helix composed of two antiparallel strands
B
A triple helix with alternating sugar and phosphate groups
C
A linear chain of amino acids
D
A single-stranded molecule with ribose sugar
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms.
Recognize that the structure of DNA is described as a double helix, which means it consists of two strands that wind around each other.
Identify that these two strands are antiparallel, meaning they run in opposite directions. One strand runs in a 5' to 3' direction, while the other runs 3' to 5'.
Note that each strand of the DNA helix is composed of a sugar-phosphate backbone with nitrogenous bases attached. The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose.
Understand that the nitrogenous bases pair specifically (adenine with thymine, and cytosine with guanine) through hydrogen bonds, which helps stabilize the double helix structure.