Ncert Exercises & Solutions

What is the difference between a nucleotide and nucleoside? Give two examples of each with their structure.

Difference between a nucleotide and nucleoside is as follows

Nucleoside

Nucleotide

Nucleoside is a compound formed by the union of the nitrogenous base with a pentose sugar

It is slightly basic in nature

It is a component of nucleotide and forms with both ribose and deoxyribose sugars.

e.g., cytidine, uridine, adenosine, guanosine, thymidine and inosine.

Nucleotide is compound formed by union of nitrogen base, a pentose sugar and phosphate.

A nucleotide is acidic in nature

Nucleotide is formed through phosphorylation of nucleoside

e.g., AMP, GMP, CMP, UMP, dTMP (deoxythymidine monophosphate)