Each nucleotide in a DNA molecule consists of which of the following components?

• A. a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base
• B. a phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogenous base
• C. a deoxyribose sugar and two nitrogenous bases
• D. two phosphate groups and a deoxyribose sugar

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the basic structure of a nucleotide, which is the building block of DNA.
2. Understand that each nucleotide is composed of three main components: a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
3. Identify the type of sugar present in DNA nucleotides, which is deoxyribose, distinguishing it from ribose found in RNA.
4. Recognize that the phosphate group links nucleotides together to form the backbone of the DNA strand.
5. Conclude that the correct components of a DNA nucleotide are a phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.