The pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA is specific because which feature ensures that adenine pairs with thymine and guanine pairs with cytosine?
A
Hydrogen-bonding patterns and complementary base shapes allow only specific purine–pyrimidine pairs to fit the helix geometry
B
All nitrogenous bases form the same number of hydrogen bonds, so any base can pair with any other base equally well
C
The phosphate groups on opposite strands attract each other and force specific base pairing
D
Covalent bonds between bases determine pairing specificity by permanently linking A to T and G to C
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1
Understand that DNA base pairing is governed by the chemical structure and bonding properties of the nitrogenous bases.
Recall that adenine (A) and guanine (G) are purines (larger, two-ring structures), while thymine (T) and cytosine (C) are pyrimidines (smaller, single-ring structures).
Recognize that the DNA double helix structure requires base pairs to fit together in a way that maintains a uniform width, which means a purine must pair with a pyrimidine.
Focus on hydrogen bonding: A pairs with T through two hydrogen bonds, and G pairs with C through three hydrogen bonds, which are specific and complementary.
Conclude that the specificity of base pairing arises from the hydrogen-bonding patterns and the complementary shapes of the bases, ensuring only A-T and G-C pairs fit properly within the helix.