Question

which of the following formulas represents a nucleotide? options: $ce{c_{10}h_{14}n_5o_7p}$, $ce{c_6h_{12}o_6}$, $ce{c_{55}h_{98}o_6}$, $ce{c_3h_7no_2}$

Explanation:

Step1: Recall nucleotide structure

A nucleotide consists of a pentose sugar (5 carbons), a nitrogenous base (contains N), and a phosphate group (contains P). So its formula should have C (around 5 for sugar), H, O, N, and P.

Step2: Analyze each option

• \( \text{C}_{10}\text{H}_{14}\text{N}_5\text{O}_7\text{P} \): Has C (10, maybe two pentoses? But includes N, P, O, H – matches nucleotide components (sugar, base, phosphate).
• \( \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 \): Glucose (monosaccharide), no N or P – not nucleotide.
• \( \text{C}_{55}\text{H}_{98}\text{O}_6 \): Likely a lipid (long C chain), no N or P – not nucleotide.
• \( \text{C}_3\text{H}_7\text{NO}_2 \): Small organic molecule, no P, too few C (not 5 - carbon sugar) – not nucleotide.

Answer:

\( \boldsymbol{\text{C}_{10}\text{H}_{14}\text{N}_5\text{O}_7\text{P}} \) (the first option in the list of choices)