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Multiple Choice
How are the two strands of DNA held together in a double helix?
A
By hydrogen bonds between complementary nitrogenous bases
B
By covalent bonds between phosphate groups
C
By disulfide bridges between nucleotides
D
By ionic interactions between sugar molecules
Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall the structure of DNA, which consists of two strands forming a double helix.
Understand that each strand is made up of nucleotides, which include a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Recognize that the backbone of each strand is held together by covalent bonds between the sugar and phosphate groups, but these bonds do not hold the two strands together.
Focus on the interaction between the nitrogenous bases of the two strands: complementary bases pair specifically (adenine with thymine, guanine with cytosine).
Identify that the two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds formed between these complementary nitrogenous bases, stabilizing the double helix structure.