How do the nitrogenous bases pair up?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the pairing mechanism of nitrogenous bases, which is a key concept in molecular biology related to the structure of DNA. It seeks to understand which bases pair together and the rules governing their pairing.
Answer
Adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine.
The final answer is adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine.
More Information
The complementary nitrogenous bases in DNA pair through hydrogen bonds, with adenine (A) forming two hydrogen bonds with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) forming three hydrogen bonds with guanine (G).
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the pairing between RNA and DNA. In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine.
Sources
- Base Pair - National Human Genome Research Institute - genome.gov
- How do the nitrogen bases pairs join in DNA? - socratic.org