What components make up the backbone of a DNA molecule?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the components that form the backbone of a DNA molecule, likely requiring knowledge of molecular biology.
Answer
Deoxyribose and phosphate groups
The final answer is Deoxyribose and phosphate groups.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is Deoxyribose and phosphate groups.
More Information
The backbone of a DNA molecule is formed by alternating units of deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups. These components are connected through phosphodiester bonds. The nitrogenous bases (purines and pyrimidines) attach to the sugars but do not form part of the backbone.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse the nitrogenous bases with the backbone components, but the bases are attached to the backbone and are not part of it.
Sources
- Phosphate Backbone - National Human Genome Research Institute - genome.gov
- The Structure and Function of DNA - Molecular Biology of the Cell - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- phosphate backbone | Learn Science at Scitable - Nature - nature.com
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