Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

Base Pairing

GOB Chemistry

26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

Base Pairing

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4:10 minutes

Problem 17

Textbook Question

How are the two strands of nucleic acid in DNA held together?

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the two strands of nucleic acid in DNA as polynucleotide chains composed of nucleotides.

Understand that each nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Recognize that the two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary nitrogenous bases.

Note that adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) through two hydrogen bonds, and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G) through three hydrogen bonds.

Acknowledge that these hydrogen bonds create the double helix structure of DNA, providing stability and specificity in base pairing.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Base Pairing

Base pairing is the fundamental mechanism by which the two strands of DNA are held together. In DNA, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G) through hydrogen bonds. This specific pairing ensures the stability of the double helix structure and allows for accurate replication and transcription of genetic information.

Hydrogen Bonds

Hydrogen bonds are weak interactions that occur between the nitrogenous bases of the two DNA strands. Each base pair is connected by hydrogen bonds, with A-T pairs forming two hydrogen bonds and C-G pairs forming three. Although individually weak, the cumulative effect of many hydrogen bonds contributes significantly to the overall stability of the DNA molecule.

Double Helix Structure

The double helix structure of DNA refers to its twisted ladder-like shape, formed by two long strands of nucleotides running in opposite directions. This configuration not only protects the genetic information but also facilitates the processes of replication and transcription. The helical shape is stabilized by the interactions between the base pairs and the sugar-phosphate backbone of the strands.