MDCAT Biology MCQ #968

When a DNA polymerase enzyme extends a growing DNA strand, which mechanism creates the sugar-phosphate backbone?

MDCAT Biology MCQ #968

  1. Question 1

    Q1. When a DNA polymerase enzyme extends a growing DNA strand, which mechanism creates the sugar-phosphate backbone?

    • A) Hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases
    • B) Glycosidic linkage between deoxyribose sugars
    • C) Peptide bonding between phosphate groups
    • D) Phosphodiester bond formation between nucleotides

    Answer: Phosphodiester bond formation between nucleotides

    Explanation: Phosphodiester bonds link the 3' carbon of one sugar to the 5' carbon of the next. Glycosidic bonds link sugars to bases.