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Multiple Choice
Where are hydrogen bonds located within the DNA structure?
A
Within the sugar backbone
B
Between the nitrogenous bases
C
Between the phosphate groups
D
Between the ribose sugars
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic structure of DNA, which consists of two strands forming a double helix. Each strand is made up of a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases.
Identify the components of the DNA structure: the sugar-phosphate backbone is composed of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups, while the nitrogenous bases are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
Recognize that the two strands of DNA are held together by hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases. Adenine pairs with thymine via two hydrogen bonds, and cytosine pairs with guanine via three hydrogen bonds.
Clarify that hydrogen bonds are weak interactions that are crucial for the stability of the DNA double helix, allowing the strands to separate during processes like DNA replication and transcription.
Conclude that hydrogen bonds are specifically located between the nitrogenous bases, not within the sugar backbone, between phosphate groups, or between ribose sugars.