Q. Two nucleotides are joined together by a linkage known as: (JEE Main 2024)
Options:
1. Phosphodiester linkage
2. Glycosidic linkage
3. Disulphide linkage
4. Peptide linkage
Correct Answer: 1. Phosphodiester linkage
Explanation:
A nucleotide consists of three components: nitrogenous base + pentose sugar + phosphate group.
When two nucleotides join to form DNA or RNA, the 3′-OH group of one sugar reacts with the 5′-phosphate group of the next nucleotide.
This bond is called a phosphodiester linkage, and it forms the sugar–phosphate backbone of nucleic acids.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Glycosidic linkage: connects base to sugar (within one nucleotide)
- Disulphide linkage: found in proteins (between cysteine residues)
- Peptide linkage: joins amino acids in proteins
JEE Tip: DNA & RNA → Phosphodiester bond Proteins → Peptide bond Carbohydrates → Glycosidic bond
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