Concept:
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a polymer made up of repeating units called deoxynucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of:
• A nitrogenous base
• A deoxyribose sugar
• A phosphate group
The linkage between nucleotides determines the structure of DNA.
Step 1: Structure of DNA backbone.
The backbone of DNA consists of alternating:
\[
\text{Sugar} - \text{Phosphate} - \text{Sugar} - \text{Phosphate}
\]
Step 2: Nature of bonding.
The phosphate group forms bonds with:
• 3' carbon of one sugar
• 5' carbon of next sugar
Thus, one phosphate connects two sugars → forms di-ester linkage.
Step 3: Why phosphodiester?
• Two ester bonds → “di-ester”
• Involves phosphate group → “phosphodiester”
Step 4: Eliminate other options.
• Phosphomonoester → only one ester bond → incorrect
• Phosphotriester → three ester bonds → not in DNA
• Amide linkage → found in proteins, not DNA
• Imide linkage → not relevant here
Final Conclusion:
\[
\boxed{\text{DNA has phosphodiester linkage}}
\]