What is created when nucleotides join together into a polynucleotide?

When nucleotides join together into a polynucleotide, they form a long chain known as a nucleic acid, such as DNA or RNA. This process involves the formation of phosphodiester bonds between the sugar of one nucleotide and the phosphate group of another, creating a backbone that holds the sequence of nitrogenous bases. The specific arrangement of these bases encodes genetic information essential for biological functions.