How are nucleotides linked together in DNA?

Nucleotides in DNA are linked together through phosphodiester bonds, which form a strong backbone for the DNA strand. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. When two nucleotides are joined, a phosphodiester bond forms between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the 3' carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, resulting in a stable, long-chain structure. This bond is crucial as it links the nucleotides into a continuous strand, allowing the DNA to maintain its structural integrity and function as the molecule storing genetic information.

While sugar-phosphate interactions are involved in the structure of DNA, the specific mechanism of bonding is defined by the phosphodiester bond, which emphasizes the connection between the nucleotide components in a polymer.