The correct answer is 2 phosphate.
In a DNA strand, the sugar and phosphate groups are linked together to form the backbone of the molecule. Each sugar molecule (deoxyribose in DNA) is connected to a phosphate group through a covalent bond. This phosphodiester bond forms between the 3′ hydroxyl group of one sugar and the phosphate group. Therefore, phosphates are essential for connecting the sugars in the DNA structure, allowing the strand to maintain its stability and integrity.