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Multiple Choice
Which type of bonds are primarily broken during the unwinding of the DNA double helix?
A
Ionic bonds
B
Van der Waals forces
C
Hydrogen bonds
D
Covalent bonds
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA is composed of two strands that form a double helix. Each strand is made up of nucleotides, which include a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Identify the types of bonds in DNA: The backbone of each DNA strand is held together by covalent bonds between the sugar and phosphate groups. The two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary nitrogenous bases.
Recognize the role of hydrogen bonds: In the DNA double helix, hydrogen bonds form between adenine (A) and thymine (T) with two hydrogen bonds, and between guanine (G) and cytosine (C) with three hydrogen bonds.
Determine which bonds are broken during unwinding: During the unwinding of the DNA double helix, such as during replication or transcription, the hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases are broken to separate the two strands.
Conclude that hydrogen bonds are primarily broken: Since the unwinding process involves separating the two strands of DNA, it is the hydrogen bonds that are primarily broken, allowing the strands to be used as templates for replication or transcription.