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Step 1: Identify the components of the DNA ladder
The sides of the DNA ladder are made up of two types of molecules: deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups. These molecules form the sugar-phosphate backbone of the DNA molecule.
Step 2: Describe the structure of the sugar-phosphate backbone
The sugar-phosphate backbone consists of alternating deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups. The deoxyribose sugar has five carbon atoms, denoted as 1' (one prime), 2', 3', 4', and 5'. The phosphate group connects the 5' carbon of one deoxyribose sugar to the 3' carbon of the next deoxyribose sugar, creating a sugar-phosphate-sugar sequence.
Final Answer
The sides of the DNA ladder are made up of deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups that form the sugar-phosphate backbone. The sugar-phosphate backbone consists of alternating deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups, with the phosphate group connecting the 5' carbon of one deoxyribose sugar to the 3' carbon of the next deoxyribose sugar. The bases (adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine) are attached to the 1' carbon of the deoxyribose sugars, forming the rungs of the DNA ladder.
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