Which sugar is found in DNA?

Prepare for the Mississippi State Biology 1 Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to help you get ready for your exam!

The sugar found in DNA is deoxyribose. This five-carbon sugar is integral to the structure of DNA, as it forms part of the backbone of the DNA molecule along with phosphate groups. Deoxyribose differs from ribose, which is the sugar found in RNA, by the absence of one oxygen atom. Specifically, deoxyribose lacks the hydroxyl group (-OH) on the second carbon atom in its ring structure, which is present in ribose. This structural difference is crucial because it contributes to the distinct stability and functionality of DNA compared to RNA. The presence of deoxyribose in DNA makes it more chemically stable due to the absence of the hydroxyl group, which can make RNA more reactive and less stable under certain conditions. Other sugars listed do not serve this function in the structure of DNA.

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