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Multiple Choice
In the process of DNA replication, what must be broken for the DNA strands to separate?
A
Ionic bonds between the nucleotides
B
Covalent bonds within the sugar-phosphate backbone
C
Hydrogen bonds between the base pairs
D
Peptide bonds between amino acids
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA is composed of two strands forming a double helix. Each strand is made up of a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) that pair with each other through hydrogen bonds.
Identify the types of bonds present in DNA: The sugar-phosphate backbone is held together by covalent bonds, while the nitrogenous bases are connected by hydrogen bonds.
Recognize the role of hydrogen bonds: Hydrogen bonds are weaker than covalent bonds and are responsible for holding the two strands of DNA together by pairing the bases (A with T, and C with G).
Determine what must be broken for strand separation: During DNA replication, the two strands must be separated to allow each strand to serve as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand.
Conclude that hydrogen bonds between the base pairs must be broken: To separate the DNA strands, the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs must be broken, allowing the replication machinery to access the individual strands.