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Multiple Choice
Which type of bond is primarily responsible for holding the two strands of DNA together in the double helix?
A
Ionic bonds
B
Hydrogen bonds
C
Disulfide bonds
D
Covalent 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 components of each nucleotide: a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Recognize that the sugar-phosphate backbone of each strand is held together by covalent bonds (phosphodiester bonds), which are strong and stable.
Focus on the interaction between the two strands: the nitrogenous bases from each strand pair with each other through specific base pairing (A with T, and G with C).
Know that these base pairs are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are weaker than covalent bonds but allow the strands to separate during processes like replication and transcription.