Question

In DNA the nucleic acid bases form hydrogen bonds between them, which are responsible for the formation of the double-stranded helix. Arrange the bases guanine and cytosine to give the maximum number of hydrogen bonds.

Short answer

Guanine (G) and Cytosine (C) will form maximum number of hydrogen bonds when arranged opposite to each other. They will form three hydrogen bonds.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding DNA Structure

Nucleic acid bases in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C) and guanine (G). In these, A forms a pair with T and G forms a pair with C. They bond with each other through hydrogen bonds. However, while A and T form two hydrogen bonds, G and C form three. This is due to their chemical structure and the presence of hydrogen bonding sites.

Arranging Guanine and Cytosine

To form maximum number of hydrogen bonds, arrange guanine (G) and cytosine (C) opposite to each other. They will form three hydrogen bonds in between them. Here is a simple representation for better understanding: G - C G - C G - C

Key concepts

guanine and cytosine pairing

In the wondrous world of DNA structure, guanine and cytosine stand out as a perfect pair. These two nucleic acid bases come together through an intriguing interaction known as hydrogen bonding. This pairing is crucial for maintaining the DNA's stability and integrity.

When guanine and cytosine meet, they form three hydrogen bonds. This is more than the two hydrogen bonds formed in other base pairs like adenine and thymine. The additional bond gives GC pairing extra strength, making it vital in regions of DNA that need stability.

• Guanine (G) bonds with cytosine (C) through three hydrogen bonds.
• This bond arrangement is due to their specific chemical structures.
• The strong binding influences aspects like the DNA's melting temperature and how it interacts in cellular environments.

nucleic acid base pairing

DNA, the molecule of life, relies on the precise pairing of nucleic acid bases. These base pairs form the rungs of the DNA ladder structure and are pivotal in the storage and transfer of genetic information.

Four nucleic acid bases comprise DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). The rules of pairing are simple yet profound. Adenine binds with thymine, while guanine binds with cytosine. This complementary pairing is governed by hydrogen bonds.

• The pairing rules: A with T and G with C are crucial for DNA replication.
• Hydrogen bonds allow for the bases to be paired specifically and reliably, guiding the DNA replication process.
• These interactions ensure that the genetic code is accurately copied and passed on during cell division.

DNA double helix

The DNA double helix is an elegant, twisted ladder, housing life's genetic blueprint. This structure results from the consistent and regular pairing of bases such as guanine with cytosine and adenine with thymine.

This helical structure was discovered by Watson and Crick, and it explains how genetic information is stored and replicated. The double helix consists of a sugar-phosphate backbone with nucleic acid bases as the rungs.

• The double helix formation allows DNA to be tightly packed in cells, yet accessible for transcription and replication.
• Hydrogen bonds between bases, like those in GC pairing, stabilize the helical structure.
• The consistent helical shape and precise base pairing ensure efficient and error-free information storage.