Which of the following forces contribute to the stability of a DNA double helix?
A)hydrophobic interactions of bases in the same strand
B)hydrogen bonding between bases in opposite strands
C)ionic interactions between the positively charged component of one base and the negatively charged component of the neighboring base
D)hydrophobic interactions of bases in the same strand and hydrogen bonding between bases in opposite strands
E)hydrophobic interactions of bases in the same strand, hydrogen bonding between bases in opposite strands, and ionic interactions between the positively charged component of one base and the negatively charged component of the neighboring base

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hydrophobic interactions of bases in the same strand and hydrogen bonding between bases in opposite strands contribute to the stability of a DNA double helix. Hydrophobic interactions help to bring the bases closer together within each strand, while hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs in opposite strands holds the two strands together. Ionic interactions also play a role, but they are not as significant as the other two forces in stabilizing the DNA double helix.

Which of the Following Forces Contribute to the Stability of a DNA