The phosphodiester bonds that link adjacent nucleotides in both RNA and DNA:
A) always link A with T and G with C.
B) are susceptible to alkaline hydrolysis.
C) are uncharged at neutral pH.
D) form between the planar rings of adjacent bases.
E) join the 3' hydroxyl of one nucleotide to the 5' hydroxyl of the next.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phosphodiester bonds that link adjacent nucleotides in both RNA and DNA join the 3' hydroxyl of one nucleotide to the 5' hydroxyl of the next. This forms a sugar-phosphate backbone with alternating phosphates and sugars. The other options listed are incorrect: A is incorrect because the base pairing rules apply to hydrogen bonding between bases, not the phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides. B is partially correct in that phosphodiester bonds are susceptible to hydrolysis, but alkaline hydrolysis specifically is not relevant. C is incorrect because the phosphate group in the phosphodiester bond is negatively charged. D is incorrect because the phosphodiester bond does not involve the base rings, but rather links the sugar and phosphate components of adjacent nucleotides.

The Phosphodiester Bonds That Link Adjacent Nucleotides in Both RNA