Which base pairs with Adenine?

Study DNA and biotechnology exam content with multiple choice questions and explanations. Prepare effectively with our detailed study materials to excel in your test!

Multiple Choice

Which base pairs with Adenine?

Explanation:
Base pairing in DNA is governed by hydrogen bonding and shape fit, so each base has a specific partner. Adenine pairs with thymine, forming two hydrogen bonds that hold the two strands together while preserving a uniform helix width. This A–T pairing happens because adenine is a purine and thymine is a pyrimidine, which lets them pair cleanly without distorting the DNA ladder. Cytosine pairs with guanine instead, via three hydrogen bonds, which is why they don’t pair with adenine. (As a note, in RNA, adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine.)

Base pairing in DNA is governed by hydrogen bonding and shape fit, so each base has a specific partner. Adenine pairs with thymine, forming two hydrogen bonds that hold the two strands together while preserving a uniform helix width. This A–T pairing happens because adenine is a purine and thymine is a pyrimidine, which lets them pair cleanly without distorting the DNA ladder. Cytosine pairs with guanine instead, via three hydrogen bonds, which is why they don’t pair with adenine. (As a note, in RNA, adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine.)

More practice questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy