Which base pairs with cytosine in Watson-Crick base pairing?

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

Which base pairs with cytosine in Watson-Crick base pairing?

Explanation:
In Watson-Cick base pairing, each base has a specific partner to fit the DNA double helix geometry. Cytosine pairs with guanine because they form a complementary, pyrimidine-purine pair that allows three hydrogen bonds between them, giving greater stability to the double helix. This pairing also preserves a uniform width along the helix. Adenine and thymine (or uracil in RNA) pair with each other, not with cytosine. So cytosine’s partner is guanine, not adenine, thymine, or uracil.

In Watson-Cick base pairing, each base has a specific partner to fit the DNA double helix geometry. Cytosine pairs with guanine because they form a complementary, pyrimidine-purine pair that allows three hydrogen bonds between them, giving greater stability to the double helix. This pairing also preserves a uniform width along the helix.

Adenine and thymine (or uracil in RNA) pair with each other, not with cytosine. So cytosine’s partner is guanine, not adenine, thymine, or uracil.

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