Multiple Choice
In the DNA double helix, complementary base pairs (A with T, and G with C) are primarily held together by which type of interaction?
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7. DNA and Chromosome Structure
DNA Structure
Multiple Choice
In the DNA double helix, what primarily holds complementary base pairs (A–T and G–C) together across the two strands?
A
Hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases
B
Ionic bonds between the bases and the phosphate backbone
C
Covalent phosphodiester bonds between adjacent nucleotides on opposite strands
D
Peptide bonds linking the bases to each other
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA is composed of two strands forming a double helix, where each strand consists of nucleotides linked together.
Identify the types of bonds present in DNA: Covalent phosphodiester bonds connect nucleotides within the same strand, while hydrogen bonds connect bases between the two strands.
Recall that complementary base pairing occurs between adenine (A) and thymine (T), and between guanine (G) and cytosine (C).
Recognize that the bases on opposite strands are held together specifically by hydrogen bonds, which allow the strands to separate during processes like replication.
Eliminate other bond types: ionic bonds are not involved in base pairing, and peptide bonds link amino acids in proteins, not DNA bases.
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