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Multiple Choice
Nitrogenous base pairs in DNA are held together by what type of bond?
A
Hydrogen bonds
B
Peptide bonds
C
Covalent bonds
D
Ionic bonds
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA is composed of two strands that form a double helix. Each strand is made up of nucleotides, which include a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Identify the nitrogenous bases: In DNA, the nitrogenous bases are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These bases pair specifically: adenine with thymine, and cytosine with guanine.
Recognize the type of bond between base pairs: The nitrogenous bases on opposite strands are held together by hydrogen bonds. Adenine and thymine are connected by two hydrogen bonds, while cytosine and guanine are connected by three hydrogen bonds.
Differentiate between bond types: Hydrogen bonds are weak interactions compared to covalent bonds, which involve the sharing of electrons, and ionic bonds, which involve the transfer of electrons. Peptide bonds are specific to proteins, linking amino acids together.
Conclude that the correct bond type for nitrogenous base pairs in DNA is hydrogen bonds, as they allow the DNA strands to separate during processes like replication and transcription.