Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, bool given in /var/www/html/web/app/themes/studypress-core-theme/template-parts/header/mobile-offcanvas.php on line 20

List the components of a nucleotide.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A nucleotide is composed of three parts: a pentose sugar (ribose in RNA and deoxyribose in DNA), a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine in DNA, or uracil in RNA), and a phosphate group.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Sugar Component

The first component of a nucleotide is a sugar molecule. The sugar is a pentose sugar, which means it contains five carbon atoms. If the sugar is ribose, the nucleotide forms an integral part of RNA. If it is deoxyribose (which lacks one oxygen atom compared to ribose), it forms a part of DNA.
02

Identify the Nitrogenous Base

The second component of a nucleotide is a nitrogenous base. These bases contain nitrogen and can be classified into two types: purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine in DNA, and uracil in RNA). These bases carry the genetic information in the form of a code.
03

Identify the Phosphate Group

The final component of a nucleotide is a phosphate group. This group enables the formation of the phosphate backbone of the nucleic acid by connecting the sugar constituents in a chain through phosphodiester bonds.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free