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Multiple Choice
How are complementary strands of DNA held together?
A
By peptide bonds between nucleotides
B
By hydrogen bonds between nitrogenous bases
C
By ionic bonds between deoxyribose sugars
D
By covalent bonds between phosphate groups
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA is composed of two strands forming a double helix, where each strand consists of nucleotides linked together.
Recall the types of bonds in DNA: Within each strand, nucleotides are connected by covalent bonds called phosphodiester bonds between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the sugar of the next.
Focus on the interaction between the two strands: The complementary strands are held together by interactions between nitrogenous bases from opposite strands.
Identify the specific bond type: These interactions are hydrogen bonds, which form between specific pairs of nitrogenous bases (adenine with thymine, and cytosine with guanine).
Conclude that the complementary strands of DNA are held together by hydrogen bonds between nitrogenous bases, not by peptide, ionic, or covalent bonds between sugars or phosphate groups.