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Multiple Choice
What type of bonds hold the base pairs together in DNA?
A
Hydrogen bonds
B
Metallic bonds
C
Ionic 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 base pairs: In DNA, the nitrogenous bases pair specifically, with adenine (A) pairing with thymine (T) and cytosine (C) pairing with guanine (G).
Recognize the type of interaction between base pairs: The base pairs are held together by interactions between the nitrogenous bases on opposite strands.
Determine the type of bond: The interactions between the base pairs are due to hydrogen bonds, which are weak bonds that occur between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom like nitrogen or oxygen.
Conclude the nature of the bonds: Since hydrogen bonds are responsible for holding the base pairs together, they provide the necessary stability for the DNA double helix structure without being too strong to prevent the strands from separating during processes like replication and transcription.