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Chapter 9: Problem 7

Describe how bases interact with each other in the double helix. This description should include the concepts of complementarity, hydrogen bonding, and base stacking.

Short Answer

Expert verified
In the DNA double helix, bases interact through complementarity (A-T and C-G), forming hydrogen bonds (two for A-T, three for C-G), and through base stacking interactions, where the flat surfaces of the bases stack over one another for stability and efficiency.

Step by step solution

01

Complementarity

Complementarity in DNA refers to the way the two strands of DNA interact in such a way that Cytosine always pairs with Guanine, and Adenine with Thymine. This characteristic is due to the structure of the bases where Adenine and Thymine have the formation allowing two hydrogen bonds to form between them, while Cytosine and Guanine have a structure allowing three hydrogen bonds.
02

Hydrogen Bonding

Hydrogen bonding is the main force keeping the two strands of DNA together into a double helix structure. Once the base pairs align (complementarity), they form hydrogen bonds. Adenine and Thymine form two hydrogen bonds, while Cytosine and Guanine form three hydrogen bonds. These bonds contribute to the stability of the DNA structure but are weak enough to break to allow for processes like DNA replication or transcription.
03

Base Stacking

Base stacking is an additional stabilizing force in the DNA structure. Base stacking is the phenomenon where the flat surfaces of the aromatic bases tend to pile over one another, due to hydrophobic interactions, which reduces the exposure of the bases to the surrounding aqueous environment. This stacking allows the bases to sit on top of each other in a very compact form, which contributes to the efficiency of the DNA structure in storing information.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What are the building blocks of a nucleotide? With regard to the \(5^{r}\) and 3' positions on a sugar molecule, how are nucleotides linked together to form a strand of DNA?

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What structural feature allows DNA to store information?

The genetic material found within some viruses is single-stranded DNA. Would this genetic material contain equal amounts of \(A\) and \(T\) and equal amounts of \(\mathrm{G}\) and \(\mathrm{C}\) ?

Look up the meaning of the word transformation in a dictionary and explain whether it is an appropriate word to describe the transfer of genetic material from one organism to another.
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