DNA and Protein Recognition Mechanisms

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What is an important feature of the double helix of DNA?

The two base pairs have exactly the same geometry (correct)

The irregular order of base pairs

Lack of specificity in base pairing

High diversity in protein structures

What contributes to the specificity of base pairing in DNA?

Stacking interactions between the bases

Hydrogen bonds between complementary bases (correct)

Water molecules lining up on the bases

Displacement of water molecules from the bases

How does the architecture of DNA differ from that of proteins?

DNA has an overall relatively regular architecture (correct)

DNA lacks specificity in base pairing

Proteins exhibit stacking interactions between amino acids

Proteins have exactly the same geometry in their structure

What is a fundamental feature contributing to the thermodynamic stability of the DNA double helix?

Hydrogen bonds between complementary bases Signup and view all the answers

What force, in addition to hydrogen bonds, contributes to stabilizing the DNA double helix?

Stacking interactions between the bases Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of adenine on one DNA chain pairing with thymine on the other DNA chain?

The DNA strands are antiparallel Signup and view all the answers

Which bases pair with each other in DNA?

Adenine pairs with thymine, guanine pairs with cytosine Signup and view all the answers

What gives DNA its self-encoding character?

The complementary relationship between bases on the two DNA strands Signup and view all the answers

If one DNA chain has the sequence 5'-CATA-3', what would be the complementary sequence on the other chain?

5'-TATG-3' Signup and view all the answers

What type of pairing occurs between adenine and thymine, and guanine and cytosine in DNA?

Hydrogen bonding Signup and view all the answers

Why do the two polynucleotide chains in DNA have opposite 5’ to 3’ orientations?

To ensure complementary base pairing Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinguishing feature of B-DNA compared to A-DNA?

Wide major groove and narrow minor groove Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions is A-DNA observed?

Low humidity Signup and view all the answers

How many base pairs per turn does B-DNA have?

10 Signup and view all the answers

Which type of DNA structure is most commonly found in the cell?

B-DNA Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature allows amino acid side chains to recognize and bind to specific DNA sequences?

Pattern of hydrogen-bond acceptors in the minor groove Signup and view all the answers

In what structure is DNA most closely corresponding to the average structure of DNA under physiological conditions?