Multiple Choice
In DNA structure, what is the name of the pentose sugar found in the DNA backbone?
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7. DNA and Chromosome Structure
DNA Structure
Multiple Choice
In the structure of DNA, what five-carbon sugar is found in the backbone of each nucleotide?
A
Glucose
B
Ribose
C
Fructose
D
2-deoxyribose
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is composed of nucleotides, each containing three components: a phosphate group, a nitrogenous base, and a five-carbon sugar.
Understand that the sugar in the backbone of DNA nucleotides is a pentose sugar, meaning it has five carbon atoms.
Differentiate between the sugars found in nucleic acids: RNA contains ribose, while DNA contains a modified sugar called 2-deoxyribose, which lacks one oxygen atom compared to ribose.
Recognize that glucose and fructose are six-carbon sugars (hexoses) and are not components of nucleic acid backbones.
Conclude that the five-carbon sugar found in the backbone of each DNA nucleotide is 2-deoxyribose.
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