Chapter 12, Problem 6A

Summary Introduction

Introduction :

DNA and RNA are the two nucleic acids found in living cells. Each nucleic acid is made of pentose sugar, four types of nitrogenous bases and phosphate molecules.

Answer to Problem 6A

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (A) nucleotide.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (A) nucleotide. Nucleotide is the building blocks that make up nucleic acid, made of a five-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The labeled structure contains a five-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. Hence, the labeled structure is of a nucleotide. Thus, the correct answer.

The explanation for the incorrect answer :

Option (B) RNA.RNA is the nucleic acid which is made of thousands of such nucleotides. Thus, this is an incorrect option.

Option (C) base.Bases are the one component of a nucleotide. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (D) phosphates. Phosphates are only the part of nucleotides. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.