What is difference between a nucleoside and nucleotide?

To understand what is difference between nucleoside and nucleotide, it is essential to break down their definitions, structure, and properties.

Step 1: Define Nucleoside

A nucleoside is a simpler molecule consisting of two main components:

• A nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, or uracil).
• A pentose sugar (ribose in RNA or deoxyribose in DNA).

Nucleosides do not contain a phosphate group.

Step 2: Define Nucleotide

A nucleotide is a more complex molecule that consists of:

• A nitrogenous base (the same as in nucleosides).
• A pentose sugar (ribose or deoxyribose).
• A phosphate group attached to the sugar.

Step 3: Structural Differences

The structural aspect explains what is difference between nucleoside and nucleotide clearly:

• Nucleoside: Composed of only a nitrogenous base and a pentose sugar.
• Nucleotide: Contains a phosphate group in addition to the nitrogenous base and pentose sugar. The phosphate group is typically attached at the 5' carbon of the sugar.

Step 4: Chemical Properties

The chemical properties also highlight what is difference between nucleoside and nucleotide:

• Nucleosides: Neutral or slightly basic due to the absence of a phosphate group.
• Nucleotides: Acidic in nature because of the negatively charged phosphate group.

Step 5: Summary of Differences