What is the sugar present in DNA?

The sugar present in DNA is deoxyribose. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, consists of a backbone made up of alternating deoxyribose sugars and phosphate groups. Deoxyribose is a five-carbon sugar that differs from ribose (found in RNA) by lacking one oxygen atom. This difference in sugar structure is a key feature that distinguishes DNA from RNA.

The presence of deoxyribose contributes to the stability and structure of DNA, allowing it to form the double helix configuration that is vital for its function in storing and transmitting genetic information. Understanding the role of deoxyribose in DNA is essential for comprehending how genetic material is organized and replicated within living organisms.