Phosphodiester bonds

Definition

Phosphodiester bonds are covalent bonds that connect the 5' carbon of one nucleotide to the 3' carbon of another, forming the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA and RNA. These bonds are crucial for the stability and integrity of nucleic acid structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Phosphodiester bonds are formed during the process of DNA replication and RNA transcription.
2. They provide structural stability to the double helix by connecting nucleotides in a linear sequence.
3. The enzyme DNA polymerase catalyzes the formation of phosphodiester bonds during DNA synthesis.
4. Hydrolysis of phosphodiester bonds can lead to breaks in the DNA or RNA strand, which is significant in processes like DNA repair and degradation.
5. These bonds involve a phosphate group linking two deoxyribose sugars in DNA or two ribose sugars in RNA.

Review Questions

• What role do phosphodiester bonds play in the structure of DNA?
• Which enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds during DNA replication?
• How does the hydrolysis of phosphodiester bonds affect nucleic acids?

Related terms

Nucleotide:

The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

DNA Polymerase:

An enzyme that synthesizes new strands of DNA by adding nucleotides to a pre-existing chain.

Hydrolysis:

A chemical process that breaks molecules apart by adding water, often resulting in cleavage of covalent bonds such as phosphodiester bonds.