Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What type of chemical bond connects the complementary strands of a DNA molecule to each other?
A
Covalent bond
B
Hydrogen bond
C
Ionic bond
D
Peptide bond
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of a DNA molecule: DNA is composed of two complementary strands that form a double helix. These strands are held together by interactions between the nitrogenous bases of the nucleotides.
Identify the types of bonds involved in DNA structure: Covalent bonds connect the sugar-phosphate backbone of each strand, but the complementary strands are connected by interactions between the nitrogenous bases.
Recall the nature of base pairing: Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine. These pairings are stabilized by specific weak interactions.
Learn about hydrogen bonds: Hydrogen bonds are weak electrostatic attractions between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen) and another electronegative atom. In DNA, hydrogen bonds form between the nitrogenous bases of the complementary strands.
Conclude that hydrogen bonds are responsible for connecting the complementary strands of a DNA molecule, ensuring the stability of the double helix while allowing the strands to separate during processes like replication and transcription.