Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Why are hydrogen bonds used to hold DNA bases together instead of covalent bonds?
A
Hydrogen bonds are stronger and more stable than covalent bonds.
B
Covalent bonds are too weak to hold DNA bases together.
C
Hydrogen bonds are weaker, allowing DNA strands to separate during replication.
D
Covalent bonds would prevent DNA from forming a double helix structure.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA is composed of two strands forming a double helix, with bases paired between the strands.
Recognize the role of hydrogen bonds: Hydrogen bonds are weak interactions that occur between the nitrogenous bases of the DNA strands, specifically between adenine and thymine, and between guanine and cytosine.
Consider the necessity for strand separation: During DNA replication, the strands need to separate easily to allow the replication machinery to access the bases and synthesize new strands.
Compare bond strengths: Hydrogen bonds are weaker than covalent bonds, which makes them suitable for temporary interactions that can be easily broken and reformed during biological processes like replication and transcription.
Evaluate the impact on DNA structure: Covalent bonds are too strong and would prevent the necessary flexibility and separation of strands, hindering the replication process and the dynamic nature of the double helix.