Which is the monomer (building block) for nucleic acids?

Study for the 9th Grade Biology SOL Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which is the monomer (building block) for nucleic acids?

Explanation:
Nucleic acids are polymers built from nucleotides. A nucleotide, the building block, has three parts: a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA or ribose in RNA), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The sugar and phosphate form a curved backbone, and bases extend to the side to encode genetic information. The specific type of nucleotide depends on the sugar: deoxyribonucleotides make DNA, while ribonucleotides make RNA. Ribonucleotide is a kind of nucleotide, but the general building block for nucleic acids is just nucleotide. Amino acids build proteins, and fatty acids build lipids, so they aren’t the monomers of nucleic acids.

Nucleic acids are polymers built from nucleotides. A nucleotide, the building block, has three parts: a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA or ribose in RNA), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The sugar and phosphate form a curved backbone, and bases extend to the side to encode genetic information. The specific type of nucleotide depends on the sugar: deoxyribonucleotides make DNA, while ribonucleotides make RNA. Ribonucleotide is a kind of nucleotide, but the general building block for nucleic acids is just nucleotide. Amino acids build proteins, and fatty acids build lipids, so they aren’t the monomers of nucleic acids.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy