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Multiple Choice
Which type of bonds form and hold the two strands of DNA together?
A
Disulfide bonds
B
Covalent bonds
C
Hydrogen bonds
D
Ionic bonds
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA consists of two strands forming a double helix, where each strand is made up of nucleotides.
Identify the backbone of each DNA strand: The backbone is held together by covalent bonds called phosphodiester bonds between the sugar and phosphate groups.
Focus on the interaction between the two strands: The two strands are held together by bonds between the nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine) on opposite strands.
Recall the type of bonds between complementary bases: Adenine pairs with thymine via two hydrogen bonds, and cytosine pairs with guanine via three hydrogen bonds.
Conclude that the two DNA strands are held together specifically by hydrogen bonds, which allow the strands to separate during processes like replication and transcription.