A nucleoside differs from a nucleotide. It lacks the

Options

A. base
B. sugar
C. phosphate group
D. hydroxyl group

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Nucleosides and Nucleotides:**
- A nucleoside is a molecular structure that consists of two components: a nitrogenous base and a sugar (either ribose or deoxyribose).
- A nucleotide, on the other hand, is a more complex structure that includes three components: a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

2. **Identifying the Key Difference:**
- The primary difference between a nucleoside and a nucleotide lies in the presence of the phosphate group.
- Nucleosides do not have a phosphate group, while nucleotides do.

3. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, when asked how a nucleoside differs from a nucleotide, the answer is that a nucleoside lacks the phosphate group.

**Final Answer:**
A nucleoside differs from a nucleotide as it lacks the phosphate group.

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