​During DNA replication, DNA polymerase catalyzes the formation of a bond between the ____ group on the 3′ carbon at the end of a DNA strand and the ____ group on a nucleotide's 5′ carbon.

A) ​phosphate; hydroxyl
B) ​hydroxyl; phosphate
C) ​phosphate; sulfur
D) ​hydroxyl; sulfur
E) ​sulfur; phosphate

Hydroxyl Group

A chemical functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH), commonly found in alcohols and many other organic compounds.

Phosphate Group

An important chemical group consisting of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, involved in energy transfer and storage within cells through compounds like ATP.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes DNA molecules from deoxyribonucleotides, the building blocks of DNA.