During nucleotide addition, two phosphates are released as part of which reaction?

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Multiple Choice

During nucleotide addition, two phosphates are released as part of which reaction?

Explanation:
Forming the bond between nucleotides is a dehydration synthesis (condensation) step. When the incoming nucleotide triphosphate is added to the growing strand, the two terminal phosphates are released as pyrophosphate. This release happens as the new phosphodiester bond is formed, meaning two units join with the loss of a small molecule, not by adding water. Hydration would imply water is added, hydrolysis would break bonds with water, and oxidation involves electron transfer. So the release of two phosphates to form the linkage fits dehydration (condensation) best.

Forming the bond between nucleotides is a dehydration synthesis (condensation) step. When the incoming nucleotide triphosphate is added to the growing strand, the two terminal phosphates are released as pyrophosphate. This release happens as the new phosphodiester bond is formed, meaning two units join with the loss of a small molecule, not by adding water. Hydration would imply water is added, hydrolysis would break bonds with water, and oxidation involves electron transfer. So the release of two phosphates to form the linkage fits dehydration (condensation) best.

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