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In Biology / High School | 2014-10-16

Is a nucleotide a carbohydrate, lipid, protein, or nucleic acid?

Asked by Liz14

Answer (2)

A nucleotide is not a protein, lipid, or carbohydrate. Instead, it is one of the basic building blocks of nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA. Nucleotides are composed of three parts: a 5-carbon carbohydrate (which is either the sugar ribose in RNA or deoxyribose in DNA), a phosphate group, and a nitrogen-containing base.
The carbohydrate component of a nucleoside and nucleotide is typically the sugar ribose for RNA molecules and deoxyribose for DNA molecules. This sugar is a crucial part of the molecular structure that forms the backbone of nucleic acid strands.
Mainly, nucleotides serve as monomers for nucleic acid polymers and are essential in various biological processes, including protein synthesis and energy transfer, as seen in the molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Answered by Alana1612 | 2024-06-24

A nucleotide is the basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group. It is not classified as a carbohydrate, lipid, or protein but is essential in forming DNA and RNA. Nucleotides also play a crucial role in energy transfer in cells.
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Answered by Alana1612 | 2024-09-03