Multiple Choice
In nucleic acids, the backbone of DNA and RNA is primarily composed of which repeating structural components?
33
views
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure
DNA Structure
Multiple Choice
In the context of DNA structure, which statement best describes whether DNA is a polymer?
A
No; DNA is a lipid made of repeating fatty acid monomers linked by ester bonds.
B
No; DNA is a carbohydrate polymer made of repeating monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds.
C
Yes; DNA is a protein polymer made of repeating amino acid monomers linked by peptide bonds.
D
Yes; DNA is a polymer made of repeating nucleotide monomers linked by phosphodiester bonds.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the definition of a polymer: a large molecule made up of repeating smaller units called monomers linked together by covalent bonds.
Identify the monomers that make up DNA: DNA is composed of nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Recognize the type of bond linking these monomers: nucleotides in DNA are connected by phosphodiester bonds between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the sugar of the next.
Compare DNA to other biomolecules: DNA is not a lipid (which are made of fatty acids and glycerol), nor a carbohydrate (made of monosaccharides), nor a protein (made of amino acids).
Conclude that DNA fits the definition of a polymer because it is made of repeating nucleotide monomers linked by phosphodiester bonds.
Related Videos
Related Practice
