Which type of bond makes up the backbone of DNA strands by linking together adjacent...
BIOLOGY
SAT 2021
Which type of bond makes up the backbone of DNA strands by linking together adjacent nucleotides?
- A. Glycosidic bond
- B. Hydrogen bond
- C. Peptide bond
- D. Phosphodiester bond
Correct Answer: D. Phosphodiester bond
Explanation
DNA and RNA nucleotides are linked together through phosphodiester bonds. A strong covalent bond (ester bond) forms between the 3' carbon atom of the sugar pentose of one nucleotide and a phosphate group, and a second ester bond forms between the phosphate group and the 5' carbon atom of the sugar pentose of another nucleotide. This alternation of sugar and phosphate groups forms a strong backbone and is also the reason why DNA is antiparallel and forms in the 5' to 3' direction.
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