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Multiple Choice
What types of molecular interactions are primarily responsible for the stability of base pairs in DNA?
A
Ionic bonding
B
Van der Waals forces
C
Covalent bonding
D
Hydrogen bonding
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA is composed of two strands forming a double helix, where the strands are held together by interactions between base pairs.
Identify the base pairs: In DNA, the base pairs are adenine (A) with thymine (T) and guanine (G) with cytosine (C).
Consider the types of interactions: Base pairs in DNA are stabilized by specific types of molecular interactions.
Evaluate hydrogen bonding: Hydrogen bonds are weak interactions that occur between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom (like nitrogen or oxygen) and another electronegative atom. In DNA, hydrogen bonds form between the nitrogenous bases of the two strands.
Conclude the primary interaction: The stability of base pairs in DNA is primarily due to hydrogen bonding, which provides specificity and stability to the DNA double helix structure.