Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the chemical components of a DNA molecule?
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7. DNA and Chromosome Structure
DNA Structure
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Which components form the backbone of a DNA molecule?
A
Nitrogenous bases and phosphate groups
B
Phosphate and uracil
C
Deoxyribose and adenine
D
Alternating phosphate and deoxyribose groups
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the structure of a DNA molecule, which consists of a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases attached to the sugar.
Identify the sugar in DNA as deoxyribose, which alternates with phosphate groups to form the backbone.
Understand that nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine) are attached to the deoxyribose sugars but do not form the backbone itself.
Recognize that uracil is found in RNA, not DNA, so phosphate and uracil cannot form the DNA backbone.
Conclude that the backbone of DNA is formed by alternating phosphate groups and deoxyribose sugars.
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