The ability of two polynucleotide strands to hybridize is based on which of the following principles?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ability of two polynucleotide strands to hybridize is based on the principle of complementary base pairing. The nitrogenous bases of DNA (adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine) form hydrogen bonds with their complementary base pairs (thymine with adenine, guanine with cytosine). This allows the two strands of DNA to bind together in a double helix formation. The presence of phosphodiester bonds, 3' and 5' ends, and covalent bonds are important for the overall structure and stability of the DNA molecule, but they do not directly contribute to the ability of the strands to hybridize.

The Ability of Two Polynucleotide Strands to Hybridize Is Based