Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 1: Chemistry of Life/Question
AP Biologyeasymcq1 pt

Which set of components correctly describes one monomer of a nucleic acid?

A.A nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and one or more phosphate groups.
B.A glycerol backbone bonded to three fatty acid chains.
C.An amino group, a central carbon, and a variable side chain.
D.Two six-carbon sugar rings joined by a glycosidic linkage.

Explanation

Core Concept

Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides, and each nucleotide assembles from three parts. A pentose sugar, ribose in RNA or deoxyribose in DNA, forms the central hub. A nitrogenous base attaches to the sugar and carries the genetic information, while a phosphate group links neighboring nucleotides into the backbone. Removing any component destroys the monomer's ability to join into DNA or RNA.

Correct Answer

AA nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and one or more phosphate groups.

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