Complementary base pairing occurs due to
A) covalent bonds between bases.
B) pairing of a purine with a pyrimidine.
C) hydrophobic interactions.
D) hydrogen bonds between sugar residues.
E) pairing of two purines or two pyrimidines.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Complementary base pairing occurs between a purine (either adenine or guanine) and a pyrimidine (either thymine or cytosine) through hydrogen bonds. Purines have a double-ring structure, while pyrimidines have a single-ring structure. The pairing of a purine with a pyrimidine allows for the formation of a consistent diameter of the DNA double helix.

Complementary Base Pairing Occurs Due to