What is the first part of the DNA structure made of?

Study for the Praxis II Biology (5235) Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering detailed hints and explanations. Gear up for your test day!

The first part of the DNA structure refers to the foundational elements that make up the DNA molecule. The correct response, which discusses the sugar-phosphate backbone, highlights the essential framework that supports the entire structure of DNA. The sugar-phosphate backbone is formed by alternating sugar (deoxyribose in the case of DNA) and phosphate groups, which are covalently bonded together. This backbone provides structural stability and is crucial for the overall integrity and function of the DNA molecule.

While the other options are components related to DNA, they refer to different aspects. Base pairs consist of the nitrogenous bases connected through hydrogen bonds and are important for the coding of genetic information but do not constitute the "first part" structurally. Hydrogen bonds are involved in the interactions between pairs of bases, stabilizing the double helix, but they do not form part of the primary structure of DNA. Nucleotides, which include a sugar, phosphate, and base, are the building blocks of DNA, but it is their arrangement into the sugar-phosphate backbone that forms the initial supportive structure. Thus, the sugar-phosphate backbone is indeed the first part that provides the necessary support for the assembly of nucleotides and the entire DNA molecule.

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