One strand of a fragment of duplex DNA has the sequence 5'-ATCGACCTGATC-3'.

What is the name of the bond that joins one nucleotide to another in the DNA strand?

Key Concepts

Phosphodiester Bond

A phosphodiester bond is a type of covalent bond that links nucleotides together in a DNA strand. It forms between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the hydroxyl group on the sugar of another nucleotide, creating a backbone that is essential for the structural integrity of DNA.

Nucleotide Structure

Nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, consist of three components: a phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar (deoxyribose in DNA), and a nitrogenous base. The sequence of these nucleotides encodes genetic information, and their arrangement is crucial for the formation of the DNA double helix.

DNA Structure

DNA is structured as a double helix, composed of two strands running in opposite directions, held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary nitrogenous bases. The phosphodiester bonds form the sugar-phosphate backbone of each strand, providing stability and support to the overall structure.