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Multiple Choice
Which of the following are components of nucleotides?
A
A nitrogenous base and a pentose sugar
B
A nitrogenous base and a phosphate group
C
A nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group
D
A pentose sugar and a phosphate group
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of a nucleotide: A nucleotide is composed of three main components: a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group.
Identify the nitrogenous base: This is a molecule that contains nitrogen and has the chemical properties of a base. Common examples include adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil.
Recognize the pentose sugar: In nucleotides, the sugar is a five-carbon sugar. In DNA, this sugar is deoxyribose, and in RNA, it is ribose.
Identify the phosphate group: This is a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. It is a key component that links nucleotides together to form the backbone of nucleic acids.
Combine the components: A complete nucleotide is formed when a nitrogenous base is attached to a pentose sugar, and one or more phosphate groups are attached to the sugar.