What principle refers to how bonds in DNA form between adenine and thymine and between guanine and cytosine?

What principle refers to how bonds in DNA form between adenine and thymine and between guanine and cytosine?

• A. Gene pairing
• B. Base pairing
• C. Chromatid pairing
• D. Allelic pairing

Answer: (B)

The principle of base pairing describes the specific hydrogen bonding that occurs between nitrogenous bases in DNA. In DNA structure, adenine (A) pairs exclusively with thymine (T), and guanine (G) pairs exclusively with cytosine (C) through hydrogen bonds. This complementary base pairing is crucial for the double-helix structure of DNA, allowing for accurate replication and transcription processes during cell division and gene expression. The specificity of base pairing ensures that genetic information is reliably transmitted from one generation to the next. This is fundamental to biological inheritance and the overall functioning of living organisms, as it maintains the integrity of the genetic code. Other principles mentioned, such as gene pairing and allelic pairing, refer to different concepts in genetics, like the interaction and expression of genes or alleles rather than the specific bonding mechanism between the bases. Chromatid pairing refers to the association of sister chromatids during cell division, which is also distinct from the concept of base pairing in DNA.

The principle of base pairing describes the specific hydrogen bonding that occurs between nitrogenous bases in DNA. In DNA structure, adenine (A) pairs exclusively with thymine (T), and guanine (G) pairs exclusively with cytosine (C) through hydrogen bonds. This complementary base pairing is crucial for the double-helix structure of DNA, allowing for accurate replication and transcription processes during cell division and gene expression.

The specificity of base pairing ensures that genetic information is reliably transmitted from one generation to the next. This is fundamental to biological inheritance and the overall functioning of living organisms, as it maintains the integrity of the genetic code.

Other principles mentioned, such as gene pairing and allelic pairing, refer to different concepts in genetics, like the interaction and expression of genes or alleles rather than the specific bonding mechanism between the bases. Chromatid pairing refers to the association of sister chromatids during cell division, which is also distinct from the concept of base pairing in DNA.