What Happens When Nucleotides Polymerize to Form a Nucleic Acid

Question

What happens when nucleotides polymerize to form a nucleic acid?
A)A covalent bond forms between the sugar of one nucleotide and the phosphate of a second nucleotide.
B)A hydrogen bond forms between the sugar of one nucleotide and the phosphate of a second nucleotide.
C)Covalent bonds form between the bases of two nucleotides.
D)Hydrogen bonds form between the bases of two nucleotides.
E)A covalent bond forms between the sugar of one nucleotide and the base of a second nucleotide.

Accepted Answer

Nucleotides polymerize to form a nucleic acid by forming a covalent bond between the sugar of one nucleotide and the phosphate of a second nucleotide, with the release of a molecule of water. This process links the sugar-phosphate backbone of the nucleic acid chain. The nitrogenous bases extend from this backbone and form hydrogen bonds with complementary bases on the opposite strand, which creates the double helix structure of DNA.