Chapter 21, Problem 6STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The correct option for the fundamental unit in both DNA and RNA needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

DNA- deoxyribonucleic acid, it is a genetic material for a cell. It is consists of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate, and nitrogenous bases.

RNA- ribonucleic acid, RNA is a polymer of nucleotides that is consists of a ribose sugar, a phosphate, and nitrogenous bases.

Answer to Problem 6STP

Correct answer: Option (A) nucleotide.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct option:

DNA and RNA both are consisting of the sugar, phosphate group, and the nitrogenous base.

The nucleotide is consists of sugar attached with the phosphate group and nitrogenous base, so it consider as the fundamental unit of DNA and RNA.

Conclusion

Reasons for incorrect options:

Option (B) amino acids are the monomer of proteins. Hence it is not correct for the DNA and RNA.

Option (C) lipids are the macromolecules, it is not related to the DNA and RNA so it is incorrect option.

Option (D) substrate term is used for the enzyme mechanism, it is not fundamental unit in both DNA and RNA. Hence it is incorrect option.