Question:

Identify the linkage in backbone of single strand of DNA ?

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The backbone alternates sugar and phosphate; the phosphate links two sugars.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • Base- phosphate -sugar
  • Phosphate -base -sugar
  • Sugar -phosphate- base
  • Phosphate -sugar-phosphate
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A nucleotide is made of a base, a pentose sugar and a phosphate group. Nucleotides join through phosphodiester bonds to form a strand.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The phosphate on one nucleotide links the 3' carbon of one sugar to the 5' carbon of the next sugar. So the backbone reads sugar - phosphate - sugar - phosphate.
Bases hang off the sugars and are not part of the backbone itself. Written from the phosphate end, the repeating pattern is phosphate - sugar - phosphate, which is what option (D) states.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Option (D), phosphate - sugar - phosphate.

Final Answer:
The DNA backbone alternates phosphate and sugar. \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{Phosphate-sugar-phosphate}} \]
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