What components make up nucleotides?

Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Each nucleotide consists of three fundamental components: a phosphate group, a sugar molecule, and a nitrogenous base. The phosphate group forms the backbone of the nucleic acid structure, linking to the sugar, which is either ribose in RNA or deoxyribose in DNA. The nitrogenous base is attached to the sugar and plays a critical role in coding genetic information, with common bases including adenine, thymine (in DNA), uracil (in RNA), cytosine, and guanine.

The correct answer highlights these three essential components, which are crucial for the structure and function of nucleotides. Understanding this structure is fundamental for grasping how nucleic acids function in the cell, particularly in processes such as replication, transcription, and translation.