Molecular structure of DNA and RNA - Structure of a DNA strand

4 important questions on Molecular structure of DNA and RNA - Structure of a DNA strand

In a DNA strand, a phospate group connects two sugar molecules via ester bonds. How ware these linkages called?

Phosphodiester linkages.

Of which molecules consists the backbone of the DNA strand?

The phospate groups and sugar molecules.

What is the charge of the backbone?

Because the phosphate groups are negatively charged, the backbone is negatively charged.
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Why does a DNA strand have a directionality?

Each phosphate group is linked to the 5' of the one nucleotide and the 3' of the other nucleotide. All sugar molecules are orientated in the same direction. Therefore, the DNA strand has a directionality.

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