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Multiple Choice
In the context of reaction mechanisms, what type of bonds are typically broken during the unwinding stage of DNA replication?
A
Ionic bonds
B
Covalent bonds
C
Metallic bonds
D
Hydrogen bonds
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA is composed of two strands forming a double helix, held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases.
Identify the role of hydrogen bonds: In DNA, hydrogen bonds occur between the nitrogenous bases adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine, stabilizing the double helix structure.
Recognize the unwinding stage: During DNA replication, the double helix must be unwound to allow the replication machinery to access the strands.
Determine the type of bond broken: The unwinding of DNA involves breaking the hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases, allowing the strands to separate.
Conclude the mechanism: The breaking of hydrogen bonds is crucial for the replication process, as it enables the formation of new complementary strands.