Question

Sugar present in DNA is a

• A. Heptose
• B. Hexose
• C. Tetrose
• D. Pentose

Answer 1

The correct option is D Pentose

A monosaccharide is the simplest form of carbohydrate which is composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The basic formula of the monosaccharide is C${}_n$H${}_{2n}$O${}_n$. These are considered as the simplest form of sugar.

The monosaccharide which has five carbon atom are known as pentose. They have molecular formula C${}_5$H${}_{10}$O${}_5$. Ribose, fructose and xylose are pentoses. Genetic material such as DNA and RNA contains ribose sugar. It is a five-carbon sugar. It attaches to the nitrogenous bases at the first carbon atom.

Monosaccharide which has six carbon atom are known as hexoses. For example, glucose.

Monosaccharide which has seven carbon atom are known as heptoses. For example, sedoheptulose.

Monosaccharide which has four carbon atom are known as tetroses. For example, erythrulose.

Monosaccharide which has three carbon atom are known as trioses. For example, pyruvate.

So, the correct answer is option D.