The sides of the DNA molecule, often referred to as the ‘backbone,’ are made up of two types of molecules: sugar molecules and phosphate molecules.
The sugar molecule in DNA is called deoxyribose, which is a five-carbon sugar. The phosphate molecules are composed of phosphorus and oxygen atoms. These two molecules alternate to form the long chains that make up the sides of the DNA double helix.
Together, the sugar and phosphate molecules provide structural support and stability to the DNA molecule, allowing it to maintain its iconic double-helix shape.