DNA as the genetic material: Which statement about DNA is false?

• A. DNA can be replicated by a template-based mechanism using complementary base pairing.
• B. DNA is typically a double-stranded helix composed of nucleotides.
• C. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine and guanine pairs with cytosine via hydrogen bonds.
• D. In DNA, the sugar component of each nucleotide is ribose.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Review the structure of DNA nucleotides, which consist of three components: a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.
2. Recall that the sugar in DNA nucleotides is deoxyribose, not ribose. Ribose is the sugar found in RNA nucleotides.
3. Understand the base pairing rules in DNA: adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C), connected by hydrogen bonds.
4. Recognize that DNA is typically double-stranded, forming a double helix, and replication occurs through a template-based mechanism using complementary base pairing.
5. Identify the false statement by comparing each option to the known facts about DNA structure and composition, focusing on the sugar component in the nucleotides.