Answer:
The deoxyribose and phosphate groups are held together by covalent bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
In DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), the deoxyribose sugar is a five-carbon sugar that is connected to a phosphate group. The phosphate group is negatively charged due to the presence of the phosphate ion (PO4-), while the deoxyribose sugar is neutral. The deoxyribose and phosphate groups are held together by covalent bonds, which are chemical bonds formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. These covalent bonds create a stable molecule that is essential for the structure and function of DNA.