Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 7 - DNA Structure and Replication
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksSanders 3rd EditionCh. 7 - DNA Structure and ReplicationProblem 9c
Chapter 7, Problem 9c

Consider the sequence 3'-ACGCTACGTC-5'.
What is the total number of noncovalent bonds joining the nucleotides of the complementary strands?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the problem. The sequence provided is 3'-ACGCTACGTC-5'. To determine the total number of noncovalent bonds, we need to identify the complementary strand and count the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs.
Step 2: Recall the base pairing rules in DNA. Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T) via 2 hydrogen bonds, and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G) via 3 hydrogen bonds.
Step 3: Write the complementary strand for the given sequence. The complementary strand will be 5'-TGCGATGCAG-3', as each base pairs with its complement.
Step 4: Count the hydrogen bonds for each base pair. For example, A-T pairs contribute 2 hydrogen bonds, and C-G pairs contribute 3 hydrogen bonds. Sum the hydrogen bonds for all base pairs in the sequence.
Step 5: Add the total number of hydrogen bonds from all base pairs to determine the total number of noncovalent bonds joining the nucleotides of the complementary strands.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Base Pairing

Base pairing refers to the specific hydrogen bonding between nucleotide bases in DNA. Adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) through two hydrogen bonds, while cytosine pairs with guanine (C-G) through three hydrogen bonds. Understanding base pairing is essential for determining the number of noncovalent bonds in complementary strands.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:49
Base Distortions

Nucleotide Structure

Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and consist of a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA), and a nitrogenous base. The sequence of these nucleotides encodes genetic information. Recognizing the structure of nucleotides helps in identifying how they interact and bond with complementary nucleotides.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:25
DNA Structure

Complementary Strands

Complementary strands in DNA refer to the two strands that run in opposite directions and are held together by hydrogen bonds between their base pairs. Each nucleotide on one strand pairs with a specific nucleotide on the opposite strand, which is crucial for the stability of the DNA double helix and for processes like replication and transcription.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:03
Double Strand Breaks
Related Practice
Textbook Question

The following figure (Figure 1.6) presents simplified depictions of nucleotides containing deoxyribose, a nucleotide base, and a phosphate group. Use this simplified method of representation to illustrate the sequence 3'-AGTCGAT-5' and its complementary partner in a DNA duplex.

How many hydrogen bonds are present in this DNA duplex?

525
views
Textbook Question

Consider the sequence 3'-ACGCTACGTC-5'.

What is the double-stranded sequence?

661
views
Textbook Question

Consider the sequence 3'-ACGCTACGTC-5'.

What is the total number of covalent bonds joining the nucleotides in each strand?

942
views
Textbook Question

DNA polymerase III is the main DNA-synthesizing enzyme in bacteria. Describe how it carries out its role of elongating a strand of DNA.

550
views
Textbook Question

There is a problem completing the replication of linear chromosomes at their ends. Describe the problem and identify why telomeres shorten in each replication cycle.

550
views
Textbook Question

There is a problem completing the replication of linear chromosomes at their ends. What is the function of telomerase, and how does it operate to synthesize telomeres?

421
views