Solution
Core Logic
Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are composed of three fundamental building blocks: nitrogenous bases, a pentose sugar, and phosphate groups. The nitrogenous bases are planar and generally achiral. The phosphate groups are also achiral. The chirality in both DNA and RNA originates strictly from their pentose sugar components, which have multiple chiral carbon centers.
Step 1: Identifying the specific sugar
DNA contains β-D-2-deoxyribose, and RNA contains β-D-ribose. Both of these are chiral D-sugar components.
Pattern Recognition
Any question asking about the source of chirality in nucleic acid backbones always points to the pentose sugar ring (D-sugar component).
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Chemistry: Biomolecules