Prepare for the Foundations of Biology Exam 1. Dive into key biological concepts with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace the exam with our efficient study methods!

Multiple Choice

What are nucleotides classed as?

Nucleotides are the building blocks used to assemble nucleic acids. In DNA and RNA, long chains are formed by linking nucleotides through phosphodiester bonds between the sugar of one nucleotide and the phosphate of the next. Because a single nucleotide is the repeating unit that makes up these polymers, nucleotides are classified as monomers. They are not polymers themselves, and they are not enzymes (which are catalysts, usually proteins or RNA). They also aren’t fatty acids, which are components of lipids. So the correct classification is that nucleotides are monomers.

Nucleotides are the building blocks used to assemble nucleic acids. In DNA and RNA, long chains are formed by linking nucleotides through phosphodiester bonds between the sugar of one nucleotide and the phosphate of the next. Because a single nucleotide is the repeating unit that makes up these polymers, nucleotides are classified as monomers. They are not polymers themselves, and they are not enzymes (which are catalysts, usually proteins or RNA). They also aren’t fatty acids, which are components of lipids. So the correct classification is that nucleotides are monomers.