What base pairs with Adenine in DNA?

Study for DNA History, Replication, and Protein Synthesis Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Master your exam content!

Multiple Choice

What base pairs with Adenine in DNA?

Explanation:
DNA uses specific base pairing to keep the double helix uniform: adenine pairs with thymine, while cytosine pairs with guanine. Adenine and thymine connect with two hydrogen bonds, and their shapes—a purine paired with a pyrimidine—fit together neatly to maintain the consistent width of the DNA ladder. That precise pairing is why thymine is the partner for adenine in DNA. Cytosine and guanine pair with each other via three hydrogen bonds, which is a different pairing pattern and geometry. In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil, not thymine, but in DNA the correct partner is thymine.

DNA uses specific base pairing to keep the double helix uniform: adenine pairs with thymine, while cytosine pairs with guanine. Adenine and thymine connect with two hydrogen bonds, and their shapes—a purine paired with a pyrimidine—fit together neatly to maintain the consistent width of the DNA ladder. That precise pairing is why thymine is the partner for adenine in DNA. Cytosine and guanine pair with each other via three hydrogen bonds, which is a different pairing pattern and geometry. In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil, not thymine, but in DNA the correct partner is thymine.

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