The three components of DNA are:
- Deoxyribose Sugar: This is a five-carbon sugar that forms part of the backbone of the DNA molecule. It is called ‘deoxyribose’ because it lacks one oxygen atom compared to ribose, the sugar found in RNA.
- Phosphate Group: This component is essential for forming the DNA backbone. The phosphate groups link the sugars of adjacent nucleotides, creating a strong backbone that supports the entire structure.
- Nitrogenous Bases: There are four types of nitrogenous bases found in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These bases are responsible for encoding genetic information. The sequence of these bases determines the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.
In summary, the combination of deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases makes up the structure of DNA, allowing it to carry genetic information in a stable form.