Phosphodiester bonds

Definition

Phosphodiester bonds are chemical bonds that connect the sugar molecules in the backbone of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. They are formed by a condensation reaction between a hydroxyl group on one sugar molecule and a phosphate group on another sugar molecule.

Related terms

Hydroxyl group: A functional group (-OH) consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom. It is involved in forming phosphodiester bonds in nucleic acids.

Sugar molecule: The building blocks of nucleic acids, sugars (such as deoxyribose or ribose) provide the backbone for DNA and RNA strands.

Condensation reaction: A chemical reaction in which two molecules combine, resulting in the formation of a larger molecule and releasing water as a byproduct. Phosphodiester bond formation involves a condensation reaction.