Nucleic acids are large biomolecules that play essential roles in all cells and viruses. To illustrate a yet unexplored complexity of nucleic acid structure, consider just the orientation of rings in double stranded DNA and in regions of RNA where double-stranded structures form. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. If so, like what? 5. Are all the 46 chromosomes present in a single cell? An illustration is the role of RNA in facilitating the retrieval into mature messenger RNA of the primary transcript of a gene. Basics of Biomolecules Carbon is the central atom Carbon will bond covalently because of 4 valence electrons Carbon likes to share electrons with sulfur, phosphorous, oxygen, nitrogen, other. In forming the reverse bases pairs, the pyrimidine can rotate 180o along the axis shown and the rotate in the plane to align the hydrogen bond donors and acceptors as shown in the top part of the figure. Amino acids have several functions. The triplet base pair are antiparallel to each other. If A-T bonds have 2 hydrogen bonds and G-C bonds have 3 Would it be true that longer periods of A-T bonds in DNA (so like: AATAATTATTTTAATTAAAA) are less stable parts of the DNA helix than parts that have more (or only) G-C bonds in them? There are five types of nitrogenous bases in nucleic acids: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), thymine (T) and uracil (U). John Wiley & Sons, London, New York, Sydney, Toronto, 1974. Nucleotide (biology definition): the fundamental building block of nucleic acid; an organic compound made up of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group. Crick, Wilkins, and Watson each received one third of the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their contributions to the discovery. When one or more phosphate groups are attached to a nucleoside at the 5 position of the sugar residue, it is called a nucleotide. In this article, we will learn about the XeF6 Molecular Geometry And Bond Angles in detail. In human cells, telomeres (the ends of chromosomes) contain 300-8000 repeats of a simple TTAGGG sequence. The word de-oxy infers that deoxyribose has lost an oxygen atom. These are just some examples out of many types of noncoding and regulatory RNAs. DNA is the genetic material found in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. Nucleic acid is a natural chemical compound that can be broken down to produce phosphoric acid, sugars and a combination of organic bases (nucleotide, purines, and pyrimidines). They knew its three-dimensional form resembled a double helix, and at least as importantly, they understood that DNA contains the genetic code, or "blueprint," for all organisms (some viruses excepted, and not all scientists accept that viruses are in fact alive). The backbone of nucleic acid has a 5-membered sugar ring, which adds rigidity to the backbone, linked to another sugar ring by CH2O(PO3)O- connectors, which add some additional conformational freedom. Nucleic acids are small biological molecules that are essential to all known forms of life. Incorporation of the incoming nucleoside triphosphate is mediated by the nucleophilic attack of the 3-OH of the growing DNA polymer. Adenine Nucleotides are Components of many Enzyme Cofactors. Bases fit in the double helical model if pyrimidine on one strand is always paired with purine on the other. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Direct link to Arki's post https://www.khanacademy.o, Posted 7 years ago. these include . Some scientists have even suggested that such meteorites may have helped create the first self-replicating nucleic acid life on Earth. Why do some nitrogenous bases have two fused carbon rings while other have one? Hoogsteen base pairing is usually see when DNA is distorted through interactions with bound proteins and drugs that intercalate between base pairs. They serve as the primary information-carrying molecules. Figure \(\PageIndex{15}\): Localized Structural Modification of the DNA Double Helix. 4. Figure \(\PageIndex{22}\): Wobble bases pairs using hypoxanthine with the base inosine. (Franklin, whose breakthrough X-ray diffraction data was used to formulate the DNA structure, died in 1958, and thus was ineligible to be nominated for a Nobel Prize.). The vital energy-carrying molecules ATP and GTP are both made from nucleotides the nucleotides A and G, as you might have guessed. In just the same way, living organisms need intact copies of their DNA source code to function. Figure \(\PageIndex{13}\) shows an interactive iCn3D model of theN-terminal fragment of the yeast transcriptional activatorGAL4bound to DNA (1D66). Check out this, Posted 7 years ago. Carbohydrates are commonly used by cells as respiratory substrates. In both cases the end product is a nucleotide carrying a phosphate attached to the 5 carbon on the sugar. (2016) Metal ion induced heterogeneity in RNA folding studied by smFRET. Some chemistry sources use the term nucleotide only for the single-phosphate case, but in molecular biology, the broader definition is generally accepted. The two main classes of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). A molecule found in DNA/RNA that encodes the genetic information in cells. The main contributors to stability are hydrophobic interactions in the anhydrous hydrogen-bonded base pairs in the helix. The biological function of DNA is quite simple, to carry and protect the genetic code. Other properties of nucleic acids may influence DNA expression in more subtle ways, such as by sticking together and making it harder for transcription enzymes to access the code they store. The associated sequence composition is complex, representing many elaborations during evolution of form and function. A more detailed description of polymerase reaction mechanisms will be covered in Chapters X and Y, covering DNA Replication and Repair, and DNA Transcription. Other genomic elements code for the expression and processing of RNA transcripts. The term G-protein actually comes from the G in GTP the same G thats found in the genetic code. This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution. Recombination also must allow chain extension as it maintains base-pairing fidelity. DNA functions are vital to inheritance, protein coding, and life's genetic blueprint. DNA was first isolated by Friedrich Miescher in 1869. The backbone of the DNA is made up of repeating sugar-phosphate-sugar-phosphate residues. DNA uses RNA as a sort of protective mechanism, separating the DNA from the chaotic environment of the cytoplasm. Direct link to Prakriti Marwah's post When transcription takes , Posted 6 years ago. Similarly, RNA polymerases are required for RNA synthesis. These nucleoside linkages are called phosphodiester bonds and are the same in RNA and DNA. The stacking energy has been shown to be similar for an AT - AT stack and a GC-GC stack (about -9.8 kcal/mol, 41 kJ/mol). These quadruplexes certainly serve as recognition and binding site for telomerase proteins. Figure \(\PageIndex{17}\): Base pair orientation and corresponding parameters in nucleic acids. Biological Functions of Nucleosides. Within the nucleus, much of the RNA synthesized from DNA templates in eukaryotic cells, including mammalian cells, is degraded and never serves as either a structural or informational entity within the cell cytoplasm. These phosphates are attractive bonding partners for the 3 oxygen molecule of the other nucleotides 3 oxygen, so that oxygen molecule pops right off to bond with the phosphates, and is replaced by the oxygen of the 5 sugar. Examples of double-stranded RNA viruses are rotaviruses that cause severe gastroenteritis in children and other immunocompromised individuals. The main function of nucleic acids is to store and carry the hereditary information for the functioning of the cell. A general overview of Lewis Structure, XeF4 Molecular Geometry and bond Angles meaning, valuable XeF4 Molecular Geometry and bond angle questions. Other Functions of Nucleic Acid Nucleotides Carry Chemical Energy in Cells One or two additional phosphates may be attached to the phosphate group covalently linked to a ribonucleotide's 5' hydroxyl. Zain, B.S., Weissman, S.M., Dhar, R., Pan, J. The general principles of recognition of nucleic acids by proteins are among the most exciting problems of molecular biology. A nucleic acid is a chain of nucleotides which stores genetic information in biological systems. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are both types of nucleic acid. Figure \(\PageIndex{18}\) shows an interactive iCn3D model of the REV Response element RNA complexed with REV peptide (1ETF). Biological Functions of Nucleic Acids - DNA and RNA. Nucleic acids play an important role in the storage and transfer of genetic data from one cell to another. The extensions also allows transient "hole" to appear between base pairs which might assist in the binding of intercolating agents like some transition metal complexes. (d) Representation of the DNA bending, base flipping, or double strand opening induced by some DNA destabilizing alkylating agents (adducts shown in blue). Let us learn about the molecule XeF2, its molecular geometry and bond examples, and XeF2 Lewis structure. The phosphate group that makes up part of the nucleotide monomer is always attached to the 5 position of the deoxyribose sugar residue. . The pseudoknot has two stems that form a "helix" and two loops. Thus, DNA synthesis is directional, only occuring at the 3-end of the molecule. By analogy to proteins, DNA and RNA can be loosely thought to have primary and secondary structures. Figure \(\PageIndex{31}\): Schematic illustrations of (A) the H-DNA or intramolecular triplex structure used in this study;del Mundo et al. Get subscription and access unlimited live and recorded courses from Indias best educators. Why might the handedness of our nucleic acids be important? This is possible because the chemical properties of nucleotides allow 5 carbons to bond to multiple phosphates. Figure \(\PageIndex{7}\) shows an interactive iCn3D model of the tertiary structure of the T4 hairpin loop on a Z-DNA stem (1D16). In fact there are 28 possible base pairs that form two hydrogen bond between them. The A-T pairs are connected by two hydrogen bonds, while the G-C pairs are connected by three hydrogen bonds. John's University and Western Oregon University, Additional Alternative Structures: Quadruplexes and Triple Helices, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/FDNA_RNA-EN.svg, https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/File:D_structure.svg, https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Nucleic_acid_sequence, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, https://structure.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ib5HUbmuQrCobg8, https://structure.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/i8C7qBqgh8ZTJH9, https://structure.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/iZtdeJqQXvjCKfA, https://structure.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/icn3d/share.html?WQWkYi1FrM4DSY2i7, https://structure.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/i5kLYSSfG7rsmS9, https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A_and_Z-DNA.png, Lenglet and David-Cordonnier (2010) Journal of Nucleic Acids, http://dx.doi.org/10.4061/2010/290935, ://x3dna.org/highlights/schematiair-parameters, https://structure.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/iT8CJ3pCe986Vx9, https://structure.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/iLtwfzyeqDCaPEA, https://structure.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ireyeD6JQM1djq6, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03221-z, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03516-1Creative, https://structure.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/iSLLRv1m8HQXKcA, https://structure.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/iy5joFHDgWJQsQ6, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, https://structure.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/i5JU813eNjND8E7, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fomosome_en.svg, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303846502_Metal_ion_induced_heterogeneity_in_RNA_folding_studied_by_smFRET, https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Genetics/Book%3A_Working_with_Molecular_Genetics_(Hardison)/Unit_I%3A_Genes%2C_Nucleic_Acids%2C_Genomes_and_Chromosomes/2%3A_Structures_of_Nucleic_Acids/2.5%3A_B-Form%2C_A-Form%2C_and_Z-Form_of_DNA, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jna/2010/290935/, https://www.mechanobio.info/genome-regulation/what-are-chromosomes-and-chromosome-territories/, https://www.genome.gov/human-genome-project, https://en.Wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=DNA&oldid=905364161, https://www.wikilectures.eu/w/Prokaryotic_Chromosomes, avatar@https://bio.libretexts.org/@api/deki/files/67680/Patty_Flatt.jpg, status page at https://status.libretexts.org. Flexibility in DNA allows rotation around the C1'-N glycosidic bond connecting the deoxyribose and base in DNA, allowing different orientations of AT and GC base pairs with each other. To form Hoogsteen base pairs, a rotation around the glycosidic-base bond must occur. Many single-stranded RNA molecules form three-dimensional structures that include weak hydrogen bonds between nucleotides. This processing is associated with strand extension and disruption of base pair at every third base. a. Deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) DNAs are the hereditary material that resides inside the nucleus. Damage to DNA would cause cells and organisms to develop incorrectly, or be so badly damaged that they simply died. A smallZn2+-containing secondary structure motif in each member of the dimer interacts with the major grove. Sci. These molecules all have unique functions that make them essential for life. The name comes from the fact that these molecules are acids that is, they are good at donating protons and accepting electron pairs in chemical reactions and the fact that they were first discovered in the nuclei of our cells. Hydrolysis of Pi-Pi 2Pi has a G = -7 kcal/mol (-29 kJ/mol) and is essential to provide the overall negative G (-6.5 kcal/mol, 27 kJ/mol) of the DNA synthesis reaction. Nucleic acids, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), carry genetic information which is read in cells to make the RNA and proteins by which living things function. What is the biological function of amino acids? "Nucleic Acid. To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser. The functions of nucleic acids have to do with the storage and expression of genetic information. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. The same must be true of double-stranded DNA, which must "unfold' or separate on replication, transcription and repair. The resulting structure is called H-DNA. The twist angles A, B and Z DNA are +33o, +36 o, and -30o, respectively. (ii) Nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA) are responsible for protein synthesis in a cell. Whether you need help solving quadratic equations, inspiration for the upcoming science fair or the latest update on a major storm, Sciencing is here to help. Adenine and guanine are. The figures above show that GC base pairs have 3 interbase hydrogen bonds compared to 2 in AT base pairs. This observations support the simple notion that interbase hydrogen bonds is the source of dsDNA stability. However, the A-form of the double helix can occur in vivo when RNA adopts a double stranded conformation, or when RNA-DNA complexes form. Because nucleic acids can be created with four bases, and because base pairing rules allow information to be copied by using one strand of nucleic acids as a template to create another, these molecules are able to both contain and copy information. (eds.) The parallels between the genetic code and binary code have even led some scientists to propose the creation of genetic computers, which might be able to store information much more efficiently than silicon-based hard drives. Figure \(\PageIndex{28}\): Intermolecular triplex formation and their oligonucleotide sequences (where and - indicates Hoogsteen and WatsonCrick base pairings, respectively). The different orientations for an AT base pair are shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{24}\). RNA Polymerase. Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\) shows a schematic representation of available hydrogen bond donors and acceptors in the major and minor grove for TA and CG base pairs. This seems possible, but there is no firm evidence to say whether it is true. This page titled 8.1: Nucleic Acids - Structure and Function is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Henry Jakubowski and Patricia Flatt. Nucleotides Carry Chemical Energy in Cells, One or two additional phosphates may be attached to the phosphate group covalently linked to a ribonucleotide's 5' hydroxyl. There are five types of nitrogenous bases in nucleic acids: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), thymine (T) and uracil (U). Figure \(\PageIndex{16}\): A, B and Z-DNA. For instance, if you know that the sequence of one strand is 5-AATTGGCC-3, the complementary strand must have the sequence 3-TTAACCGG-5. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. (Assuming that you are refering to DNA and RNA) DNA is really important for cell division (which is important for growth, development, and regeneration) and stores genetic information. (c) Mono- or bis-intercalation of a small molecule (shown in blue) between adjacent base pairs resulting in an unwinding of the DNA helix (orange arrow on the top) and a lengthening of the DNA helix (Length) depending on the X and y values that are specific for a defined DNA intercalating compound. This information is stored in multiple sets of three nucleotides, known as codons. Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\) shows types of "secondary (flat representations) and their 3D or tertiary representations found in nucleic acids. The tRNA carries an amino acid, our ingredient to make the protein. The structure of RNA resembles a hairpin and, like the nucleotides, which are moulded in this ribonucleic material(RNA) in DNA. Lets look at each part of a nucleotide in turn. This may seem paradoxical, especially given the apparently simplicity of the iconic structure of DNA presented in textbooks. Nucleic acids can be defined as organic molecules present in living cells. We also learn the importance of XeF6 molecular geometry and bond angles importance and much more about the topic in detail. DNA in vivo consist of two antiparallel strands intertwined to form the iconic DNA double-stranded helix. We studied the structure of proteins in depth, discussing resonance in the peptide backbone, allowed backbone angles , and , side chain rotamers, Ramachandran plots and different structural motifs. (a) Base pair orientation with x, y, and z axes result in different kinds of rotation (tilt, roll or twist) or slipping of the bases (slide, flip) regarding to the helix central axis. RNA has the same nitrogen bases called the Guanine, adenine, Cytosine as that of the DNA besides for the uracil that replaced the Thymine. Unable to display preview. Nucleic acids are biopolymers built from several monomer units of nucleotides that are composed of three components: sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base. Hydrolysis of the pyrophosphate also ensures that the reverse reaction, pyrophosphorolysis, will not take place removing the newly incorporated nucleotide from the growing DNA chain. Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are the four main groups of biological macromolecules; each is an essential cell component and performs a variety of activities. Nucleic acids, macromolecules made out of units called nucleotides, come in two naturally occurring varieties: deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA) and ribonucleic acid ( RNA ). Direct link to Marwan's post Are all the 46 chromosome, Posted 7 years ago. Here, we'll take a look at four major types of RNA: messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and regulatory RNAs. Reg. The noncanonical structures are also important for RNA-protein interactions in the RNA region which binds proteins. The repetitive TTAGGG sequences in telomeric DNA can form quadruplexes. Conf., Biol. As with proteins, the three-dimensional structure of an RNA molecule specifies a unique function in cells, including the degradation of enzymes. Figure \(\PageIndex{8}\) shows an interactive iCn3D model of pseudoknot in RNA (437D). Lenglet and David-Cordonnier (2010) Journal of Nucleic Acids, http://dx.doi.org/10.4061/2010/290935. There are majorly three types of DNA. Triple helix formation can also occur within a single strand of DNA. Another question on Biology. The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose while in RNA it is ribose. Figure \(\PageIndex{12}\) shows an interactive iCn3D model of DNA showing the major and minor grooves. They are believed to be the first biomolecules to support life as it is typically defined. Hydrogen bonding between complementary bases holds DNA strands together in a double helix of antiparallel strands. Dhar, R., Weissman, S.M., Zain, B.S., Pan, J., Lewis, A.M. jr. (1974) Nucl. Gene set enrichment (GSE) analysis plays an essential role in extracting biological insight from genome-scale experiments. Stereoisomers Specific and locally higher concentrations of divalent cations or positively charged polyamines like spermine act to stabilized the extra negative charge density from the binding of a third polyanionic DNA strand. A codon matches with three nucleotides, called an anticodon, on a single tRNA molecule while in a ribosome. An additional phosphate group from ATP is then added by another kinase to form a deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate, the immediate precursor of DNA. Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\) shows a low resolution comparison of the structure of DNA and RNA. Published by LibreTexts. Pseudoknots also occur in DNA. Acids Res. The biological function of DNA is quite simple, to carry and protect the genetic code. RNA can serve as a messenger to build proteins using information coded by DNA, migrating from the nucleus where DNA "lives" to other parts of the cell to carry this out. The 3 bases on the mRNA are called the codon, and the 3 complementary bases on the tRNA are called the anticodon. Today, scientists know that the source code for cells is quite literally written in nucleic acids. These molecules function in the same way as natural nucleic acids, but they can serve a similar function. (2019, July 19). As you might imagine, without binary code, youd have no computer and no computer programs. RNA, unlike DNA, usually but not always exists in a single-stranded form. 2, 20912100. These molecules make up the bulk of a cell's dry mass when combined (recall that water makes up the majority of its complete mass). The tRNA that binds, and thus the amino acid that's added, at a given moment is determined by the sequence of the mRNA that is being "read" at that time. Generally speaking, nucleic acids themselves differ in every organism based on the sequence of nucleotides within the nucleic acid. Without an attached phosphate group, the sugar attached to one of the bases is known as a nucleoside. The interaction between mRNA and tRNA are illustrate in Figure \(\PageIndex{23}\). RNA also helps in protein synthesis. A mirror repeat contains a center of symmetry on a single strand. Within the nucleus, the DNA is protected. These include the Purines: Adenine (A) and Guanine (G), and the Pyrimidines: Cytosine (C) and Thymine (T). B-DNA The B-DNA is a right-handed helix and is the most common DNA conformation. Two spanners to consider - 1) one molecule of hormone, once recognised by the cell, leads to prduction of thousands of times more molecules, and types of molecules, than a mere chemical would suggest, and such secretions can be brought about by tiny changes in brain activity. Because nucleic acids can be made naturally by reacting inorganic ingredients together, and because they are arguably the most essential ingredient for life on Earth, some scientists believe that the very first life on Earth may have been a self-replicating sequence of amino acids that was created by natural chemical reactions. Biologydictionary.net, September 07, 2017. https://biologydictionary.net/nucleic-acid/. A molecule in the backbone of DNA and RNA that links adjoining bases together. The bond between the -phosphate and the ribose is an ester bond. mRNA, rRNA, tRNA, miRNA, and siRNA. Prokaryotic Chromosomes (2017) In MediaWiki, Available at: https://www.wikilectures.eu/w/Prokaryotic_Chromosomes, Wikipedia contributors. (2019, July 22). Figure \(\PageIndex{24}\): Xu, Y., McSally, J., Andricioaei, I. et al. Messenger RNAs or mRNAs are designated as those cytoplasmic RNA molecules that serve as templates for protein synthesis (i.e., transferring DNA genetic information to protein synthesizing machinery). It is not surprising, given the enormity of the functions of DNA in the human body and its responsibility for the growth and maintenance of life that the discovery of DNA has led to so many developments in the treatment of various types of diseases. If you examine the iCn3D models of nucleic acids presented above, you will see the the base pairs are not perfectly flat but are twisted. This is, fittingly, mRNA (m stands for "messenger"). The two newly created double-stranded daughter DNA molecules are then sorted between the two daughter cells (Figure 355), each containing one strand (but complementary rather than identical) from the parent dual - stranded DNA molecules (Figure355). Thymine (Pyrimidines) 5. To transport DNAs instructions to other parts of the cell, copies of its information are made using another type of nucleic acid RNA. In human milk, LF is a major DNase featuring Direct link to Alex Auvenshine's post Are the functions of nucl, Posted 7 years ago. What is a nitrogenous base? The structure contains many GU wobble base pairs as well as two CU base pairs between two pyrimidine bases. The prior model was triple-stranded DNA. By far the most important function of nucleic acids for living things is their role as carriers of information. Nucleosides, when phosphorylated by kinases, form nucleotides, which in turn, serve as the monomeric unit of nucleic acids. More about Kevin and links to his professional work can be found at www.kemibe.com. All nucleic acids contain the bases A, C, and G; T, however, is found only in DNA, while U is found in RNA. Furthermore, the orientation of the sugar molecule within the strand determines the directionality of the strands. Cytosine (Pyrimidines) 4. For a single strand, the primary sequence is just the base sequence read from the 5' to 3' end of the strand, with the bases thought of as "side chains" as illustrated in Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\) for an RNA strand which contains U instead of T. Since it is found partnered with another molecule (strand) of DNA, the double stranded DNA, which consists of two molecules held together by hydrogen bonds, might be considered to have secondary structure (analogous to alpha and beta structure in proteins). Aluminium silicate zeolites are microporous three-dimensional crystalline solids. 00:00 00:00 Composed of fats and oils, lipids are molecules that yield high energy and have a chemical composition mainly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. In a series of experiments by Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty, the demonstration that DNA contained the genetic information was first made in 1944. If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked. The double stranded helix of DNA is not always stable. All life on Earth shares a common chemistry. Which of the following is NOT a reason why some scientists think the first life might have been made of RNA? The five-carbon sugar in DNA is called, Nucleotides may have a single phosphate group, or a chain of up to three phosphate groups, attached to the 5 carbon of the sugar.