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GATE 2026 ES – Question 38

Environmental Microbiology · Cell Chemistry and Cell Biology · 2 marks · Multiple choice

Which sequence correctly describes breakdown of DNA into lower-molecular-weight compounds?

  1. DNA → 2-deoxyribose → Nucleosides → Nucleotides
  2. DNA → 2-deoxyribose → Nucleotides → Nucleosides
  3. DNA → Nucleotides → Nucleosides → 2-deoxyribose
  4. DNA → Nucleosides → Nucleotides → 2-deoxyribose

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Correct answer: (C) DNA → Nucleotides → Nucleosides → 2-deoxyribose

Explanation

Hydrolysis of DNA’s phosphodiester backbone yields nucleotides. Removing nucleotide phosphate yields nucleosides, which consist of sugar plus base. Cleaving the glycosidic bond then releases the sugar 2-deoxyribose. The successive sequence is therefore **C**.

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