Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
During the formation of nucleic acid polymers, what molecule is removed?
A
Nitrogen
B
Oxygen
C
Water
D
Carbon dioxide
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of nucleic acid polymerization: Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are polymers made up of nucleotide monomers. The polymerization process involves the formation of phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides.
Identify the type of reaction: The formation of nucleic acid polymers is a condensation reaction, also known as a dehydration synthesis reaction. In this type of reaction, two molecules are joined together with the removal of a small molecule.
Determine the small molecule removed: In dehydration synthesis, the small molecule that is typically removed is water (H₂O). This occurs when the hydroxyl group (OH) from one nucleotide and a hydrogen atom (H) from another nucleotide combine to form water.
Visualize the reaction: Consider the chemical structure of nucleotides. Each nucleotide has a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base. During polymerization, the 3' hydroxyl group of one nucleotide's sugar reacts with the 5' phosphate group of the next nucleotide, releasing water.
Conclude the process: The removal of water facilitates the formation of a covalent bond, specifically a phosphodiester bond, linking the nucleotides together in a growing nucleic acid chain.