Which -OH group in ribonucleotides makes the 3'-phosphodiester bond susceptible to nucleophilic cleavage during alkaline hydrolysis?
A)1'-OH
B)2'-OH
C)3'-OH
D)4'-OH

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 2'-OH group in ribonucleotides contributes to the susceptibility of the 3'-phosphodiester bond to nucleophilic attack during alkaline hydrolysis. This is because the presence of the hydroxyl group at the 2' position can participate in intramolecular nucleophilic attack on the adjacent phosphodiester bond, leading to its cleavage. This reaction is facilitated under alkaline conditions and is a key difference between RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), where DNA lacks the 2'-OH group and is thus more stable to alkaline hydrolysis.

Which -OH Group in Ribonucleotides Makes the 3'-Phosphodiester Bond Susceptible