What are the differences between nucleotide and nucleoside?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Nucleotide

Nucleoside

Definition

Is a monomer of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA

Is a nucleobase linked to a pentose sugar molecule

Composition

Composed of a pentose sugar, a nitrogenous base and phosphate groups

Composed of a nitrogenous base and a pentose sugar

Presence of phosphate group

Phosphate group is present and is an essential part of its structure

Phosphate group is absent

Functions

Is a precursor of DNA, RNA and polynucleotide
Act as energy-storing molecules

Serves as a precursor of nucleotide

Examples

Guanosine diphosphate
Uridine triphosphate
Adenosine diphosphate
Cytidine monophosphate

Guanosine
Uridine
Adenosine
Cytidine

Basis of differentiation	Nucleotide	Nucleoside
Definition	Is a monomer of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA	Is a nucleobase linked to a pentose sugar molecule
Composition	Composed of a pentose sugar, a nitrogenous base and phosphate groups	Composed of a nitrogenous base and a pentose sugar
Presence of phosphate group	Phosphate group is present and is an essential part of its structure	Phosphate group is absent
Functions	Is a precursor of DNA, RNA and polynucleotide Act as energy-storing molecules	Serves as a precursor of nucleotide
Examples	Guanosine diphosphate Uridine triphosphate Adenosine diphosphate Cytidine monophosphate	Guanosine Uridine Adenosine Cytidine