To identify the components of a DNA molecule in an illustration, you can look for the following key features:
- Sugar: The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, which forms the backbone of the DNA strand. In diagrams, it is often represented as a pentagon or a circle connected to phosphate groups.
- Phosphate: The phosphate groups are typically shown as small circles or ovals, connected to the sugar molecules. They link the sugars together, forming the backbone.
- Nitrogen Bases: There are four nitrogen bases in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). In an illustration, these bases are often depicted as pairs that connect the two strands of DNA. You should identify two of these bases, perhaps adenine and thymine, which pair together.
Look for a labeled diagram of a double helix to clearly distinguish these components.