Which of the following statements best describes why the sugar phosphate nucleic acid backbone is on the outer part of the DNA double helix while the nitrogen bases are on the inside of the double helix?
A) The sugar phosphate backbone is hydrophilic while the bases are hydrophobic.
B) The sugar phosphate backbone is hydrophobic while the bases are hydrophilic.
C) The sugar phosphate backbones of the two strands are bonded together.
D) The nitrogen bases are covalently bonded to each other.
E) There is no reason; the structure is just that way.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sugar phosphate backbone is hydrophilic, meaning it interacts with water molecules, while the nitrogen bases are hydrophobic, meaning they are repelled by water. This makes it energetically favorable for the hydrophobic nitrogen bases to be in the interior of the double helix, shielded from contact with water, while the hydrophilic sugar phosphate backbone is on the outside where it can interact with water.

Which of the Following Statements Best Describes Why the Sugar