Question

Why is the name 'deoxyribonucleic acid' appropriate for DNA?

Options

• Because deoxyribose is an acidic sugar molecule

• Because DNA contains deoxyribose sugar and the phosphate group gives it acidic properties

• Because DNA contains ribose sugar and lacks phosphate groups

• Because DNA is the only nucleic acid with acidic properties

Answer 1

The name 'deoxyribonucleic acid' reflects two key structural features: (1) 'deoxy' indicates the presence of deoxyribose sugar (lacking the 2′-OH group), and (2) 'nucleic acid' refers to the acidic nature imparted by the phosphate groups attached to the 5′ carbons of the sugar molecules throughout the chain.