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Multiple Choice
The law of complementary base pairing states that a cell can do which of the following?
A
Pair adenine with uracil and cytosine with guanine in DNA
B
Pair thymine with uracil and adenine with guanine in DNA
C
Pair adenine with cytosine and guanine with thymine in DNA
D
Pair adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine in DNA
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of complementary base pairing: In DNA, specific nitrogenous bases pair with each other to form the rungs of the DNA double helix. This is known as complementary base pairing.
Identify the base pairs in DNA: In DNA, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G). These pairings are due to hydrogen bonding between the bases.
Recognize the role of hydrogen bonds: Adenine and thymine form two hydrogen bonds, while cytosine and guanine form three hydrogen bonds, which helps stabilize the DNA structure.
Differentiate between DNA and RNA base pairing: In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil (U) instead of thymine. However, the problem specifically asks about DNA, so focus on A-T and C-G pairings.
Apply the concept to the problem: Based on the law of complementary base pairing, the correct statement is that adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine in DNA.