Multiple Choice
In the DNA double helix, what holds the two antiparallel strands together?
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7. DNA and Chromosome Structure
DNA Structure
Multiple Choice
In the DNA double helix, what type of bonds hold complementary nitrogenous bases together across the two strands?
A
Covalent peptide bonds
B
Hydrogen bonds
C
Ionic bonds between the sugar-phosphate backbones
D
Phosphodiester bonds
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the structure of the DNA double helix, which consists of two strands running in opposite directions, each made up of a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases.
Understand that the sugar-phosphate backbone of each strand is held together by strong covalent bonds called phosphodiester bonds.
Focus on the interaction between the nitrogenous bases of the two strands, which pair specifically (adenine with thymine, and guanine with cytosine).
Recognize that the bases are held together across the two strands by weaker, non-covalent interactions that allow the strands to separate during processes like replication and transcription.
Identify these interactions as hydrogen bonds, which form between specific atoms in the complementary bases, stabilizing the double helix structure.
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