Which factor contributes to the strength of the intermolecular interaction between two DNA strands in a double helix?
A) Hydrogen bonds between purines and pyrimidines
B) Phosphodiester bonds between the nitrogenous bases
C) Strong hydrogen bonds between the sugar and phosphate groups
D) Its double-helix shape
E) The direct bonding of the base to the phosphate molecule

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hydrogen bonds between purines and pyrimidines contribute to the intermolecular interaction between two DNA strands in a double helix. These hydrogen bonds are relatively weak individually but when combined, they provide enough strength to hold the two strands together. The specific pairing of purines (adenine and guanine) with pyrimidines (cytosine and thymine) through hydrogen bonding ensures that the DNA sequence is accurately copied during replication and transcription.

Which Factor Contributes to the Strength of the Intermolecular Interaction