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Multiple Choice
What are the monomers of nucleic acids called?
A
Fatty acids
B
Amino acids
C
Monosaccharides
D
Nucleotides
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that nucleic acids are large biomolecules essential for all known forms of life. They include DNA and RNA.
Recognize that monomers are the building blocks of polymers. In the context of nucleic acids, the monomers are the units that link together to form the larger nucleic acid structure.
Identify the correct term for the monomers of nucleic acids. These are called nucleotides, which consist of three components: a nitrogenous base, a sugar molecule (ribose in RNA and deoxyribose in DNA), and one or more phosphate groups.
Differentiate nucleotides from other biological monomers such as amino acids (which are the building blocks of proteins), fatty acids (which are components of lipids), and monosaccharides (which are simple sugars and the building blocks of carbohydrates).
Conclude that nucleotides are the correct answer as they are the specific monomers that make up nucleic acids, forming the backbone of DNA and RNA through phosphodiester bonds.