Question

Which element is found in nucleic acids but not in proteins?

A.) carbon
B.) hydrogen
C.) nitrogen
D.) phosphorus

Answer 1

D. Phosphorus is correct.

Answer 2

Answer: The correct answer is D) Phosphorous.

Nucleic acids include DNA ( deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA ( ribonucleic acid).

They are made up of small units called nucleotides. A nucleotide is composed of nitogenous base, phosphate group, and 5- carbon sugar ( ribose sugar in RNA and deoxyribose sugar in DNA).

On the other hand, proteins are made up of small units called amino acids. An amino acid includes simple organic compound, which consists of an amino (-NH₂) group and a carboxylic group ( - COOH).

Thus, phosphorous is the element that is found in nucleic acids but not in the proteins.