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1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

7. DNA and Chromosome Structure

DNA Structure

Genetics

7. DNA and Chromosome Structure

DNA Structure

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Multiple Choice

The backbone of DNA is made up of which of the following components?

Fatty acids

Nitrogenous bases only

Amino acids

Alternating sugar and phosphate groups

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand that the DNA backbone refers to the repeating structural framework of the DNA molecule that supports the nitrogenous bases.

Recall that DNA is composed of nucleotides, each consisting of three parts: a sugar (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Recognize that the backbone is formed by the sugar and phosphate groups linked together by phosphodiester bonds, creating an alternating sugar-phosphate pattern.

Note that nitrogenous bases are attached to the sugar but do not form the backbone itself; they project inward to pair with complementary bases.

Conclude that the correct components making up the DNA backbone are the alternating sugar and phosphate groups, not fatty acids, amino acids, or nitrogenous bases alone.