Question
Biology Question on the molecular basis of inheritance
A nucleotide is made up of
A
sugar + nitrogenous base only
B
phosphate + nitrogenous base only
C
sugar + phosphate + nitrogenous base
D
sugar only.
Answer
sugar + phosphate + nitrogenous base
Explanation
Solution
A nucleotide (nucleoide phosphate) is a compound formed by the union of a nitrogen base, a pentose sugar and a phosphate. The nitrogen base combines with the sugar molecule at its carbon atom 1' in glycosidic bond (C - N - C) by one of its nitrogen atoms (usually 1 in pyrimidines and 9 in purines). The resulting structure is known as a nucleoside. Nucleotide is formed through phosphorylation of nucleoside. Phosphate combines with sugar molecule at its 5? carbon atom to form a nucleotide.