What type of bonds hold the two DNA strands together in base pairing?

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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

What type of bonds hold the two DNA strands together in base pairing?

Explanation:
Base pairing between the two DNA strands is stabilized by hydrogen bonds linking complementary bases across the two strands. These bonds are weaker than the covalent bonds that stitch nucleotides together within each strand, which allows the strands to separate when copying genetic information. Specifically, adenine pairs with thymine using two hydrogen bonds, and guanine pairs with cytosine using three. The backbone of each strand is held together by covalent bonds, not by the inter-strand bonds. Ionic or disulfide bonds don’t play a role in base pairing.

Base pairing between the two DNA strands is stabilized by hydrogen bonds linking complementary bases across the two strands. These bonds are weaker than the covalent bonds that stitch nucleotides together within each strand, which allows the strands to separate when copying genetic information. Specifically, adenine pairs with thymine using two hydrogen bonds, and guanine pairs with cytosine using three. The backbone of each strand is held together by covalent bonds, not by the inter-strand bonds. Ionic or disulfide bonds don’t play a role in base pairing.

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