The backbone of DNA consists of the atoms O-P-O-C-C-C.Each atom has a(n)_____ electron-pair geometry.
A) tetrahedral
B) trigonal bipyramidal
C) trigonal-planar
D) linear
E) octahedral

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The backbone of DNA involves atoms that form a structure where each atom (O, P, O, C, C, C) is involved in tetrahedral electron-pair geometry. This is because in the DNA backbone, phosphorus is bonded to four oxygen atoms (one through a double bond, which counts as one region of electron density), and carbon atoms are typically bonded to four atoms (in DNA, hydrogen and/or oxygen), making the electron-pair geometry around these atoms tetrahedral.

The Backbone of DNA Consists of the Atoms O-P-O-C-C-C