In DNA, base pairing is between complementary bases. Which pairing is correct?

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Study for the Biochemistry Module 6 Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question includes hints and explanations. Gear up to ace your test!

Multiple Choice

In DNA, base pairing is between complementary bases. Which pairing is correct?

Explanation:
Base pairing in DNA is driven by hydrogen bonding and the need to keep the double helix uniformly wide. Adenine forms two hydrogen bonds with thymine, and cytosine forms three hydrogen bonds with guanine. This A–T and C–G pairing is what stabilizes the DNA structure and ensures accurate replication. Uracil is used in RNA and pairs with adenine there, not in DNA, where thymine is the partner for adenine. Pairing adenine with guanine or cytosine with thymine would disrupt the geometry and the pattern of hydrogen bonds, so those pairings don’t occur in DNA. Therefore, the correct complementary pairs are adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine.

Base pairing in DNA is driven by hydrogen bonding and the need to keep the double helix uniformly wide. Adenine forms two hydrogen bonds with thymine, and cytosine forms three hydrogen bonds with guanine. This A–T and C–G pairing is what stabilizes the DNA structure and ensures accurate replication. Uracil is used in RNA and pairs with adenine there, not in DNA, where thymine is the partner for adenine. Pairing adenine with guanine or cytosine with thymine would disrupt the geometry and the pattern of hydrogen bonds, so those pairings don’t occur in DNA. Therefore, the correct complementary pairs are adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine.

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