Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 1: Chemistry of Life/Question
AP Biologymediummcq1 pt

During synthesis of a DNA or RNA strand, successive nucleotides are covalently linked. Which statement about that linkage is correct?

A.A phosphodiester bond joins the phosphate of one nucleotide to the sugar of the next, forming the backbone
B.Peptide bonds join the amino groups of neighboring nucleotides into a backbone
C.Ester bonds connect fatty acids to the growing sugar-phosphate chain
D.Glycosidic bonds link each nitrogenous base directly to the next base in the strand

Explanation

Core Concept

DNA and RNA strands are built by forming phosphodiester bonds in the sugar-phosphate backbone. The phosphate of an incoming nucleotide becomes linked to the sugar of the growing strand, while the nitrogenous bases project from the backbone and can participate in hydrogen bonding with complementary bases when a complementary template or strand is present.

Correct Answer

AA phosphodiester bond joins the phosphate of one nucleotide to the sugar of the next, forming the backbone

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