Nucleic acids are the genetic material of the cell and are composed of recurring monomeric units called nucleotides

• Each nucleotide is comprised of a pentose sugar, a phosphate group and a nitrogenous base
  

Both the phosphate group and nitrogenous base are attached to the 5-carbon pentose sugar

• The nitrogenous base is attached to the 1’– carbon atom (right point)
  

• The phosphate group is attached to the 5’– carbon atom (left point)
  

Nucleotide Structure