What type of bond links nucleotides together in a strand of DNA?

What type of bond links nucleotides together in a strand of DNA?

• A. Covalent bond
• B. Hydrogen bond
• C. Phosphodiester bond
• D. Ionic bond

Answer: (C)

The bond that links nucleotides together in a strand of DNA is known as a phosphodiester bond. This specific type of bond forms between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the hydroxyl group on the sugar of another nucleotide. This linkage creates a backbone for the DNA strand, consisting of alternating sugar and phosphate groups, while the nitrogenous bases project from the sugar molecules. Phosphodiester bonds are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of DNA, allowing it to function as a stable repository of genetic information. They ensure that the sequence of nucleotides, which encodes genetic instructions, is preserved through replication and transcription processes. Understanding the nature of phosphodiester bonds is essential for grasping how genetic material is organized and how it participates in cellular processes.

The bond that links nucleotides together in a strand of DNA is known as a phosphodiester bond. This specific type of bond forms between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the hydroxyl group on the sugar of another nucleotide. This linkage creates a backbone for the DNA strand, consisting of alternating sugar and phosphate groups, while the nitrogenous bases project from the sugar molecules.

Phosphodiester bonds are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of DNA, allowing it to function as a stable repository of genetic information. They ensure that the sequence of nucleotides, which encodes genetic instructions, is preserved through replication and transcription processes. Understanding the nature of phosphodiester bonds is essential for grasping how genetic material is organized and how it participates in cellular processes.