Which set of base pairs represents complementary base pairs in nucleic acids?

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 set of base pairs represents complementary base pairs in nucleic acids?

Explanation:
Complementary base pairing in nucleic acids follows hydrogen-bonding patterns that keep the double helix width uniform. A purine (A) pairs with a pyrimidine to maintain this geometry: A pairs with T in DNA and with U in RNA, and C pairs with G. So a set that includes A with T or U and C with G represents all canonical pairings. The other options mix bases in ways that break these standard pairings (purine-purine or pyrimidine-pyrimidine pairs, or noncanonical pairs), which is why they aren’t complementary.

Complementary base pairing in nucleic acids follows hydrogen-bonding patterns that keep the double helix width uniform. A purine (A) pairs with a pyrimidine to maintain this geometry: A pairs with T in DNA and with U in RNA, and C pairs with G. So a set that includes A with T or U and C with G represents all canonical pairings. The other options mix bases in ways that break these standard pairings (purine-purine or pyrimidine-pyrimidine pairs, or noncanonical pairs), which is why they aren’t complementary.

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