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Multiple Choice
During DNA replication, which chemical bonds are broken to separate the two strands of the DNA double helix?
A
Glycosidic bonds between deoxyribose and nitrogenous bases
B
Phosphodiester bonds within the sugar-phosphate backbone
C
Hydrogen bonds between complementary bases
D
Peptide bonds between amino acids
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA is a double helix composed of two strands held together by complementary base pairing. The bases are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These bases pair specifically (A with T, and C with G) through hydrogen bonds.
Identify the types of bonds in DNA: DNA contains three main types of bonds: (1) hydrogen bonds between complementary bases, (2) phosphodiester bonds in the sugar-phosphate backbone, and (3) glycosidic bonds between the sugar (deoxyribose) and nitrogenous bases.
Focus on the process of DNA replication: During replication, the two strands of the DNA double helix must separate to allow each strand to serve as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand.
Determine which bonds are broken during strand separation: The separation of the two strands occurs at the hydrogen bonds between complementary bases (A-T and C-G). These bonds are relatively weak compared to the covalent bonds in the sugar-phosphate backbone or glycosidic bonds.
Conclude that hydrogen bonds are broken: The breaking of hydrogen bonds between complementary bases allows the two strands to unwind and separate, enabling the replication machinery to access the template strands for DNA synthesis.