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Chapter 9: Problem 5

Why would a DNA structure in which each base type could form hydrogen bonds with any of the other three base types not produce a molecule that is easily replicated?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A DNA structure in which each base type could bond with any of the other three base types wouldn't produce a molecule that's easily replicated because the replication process relies on specific base pairing (A with T and G with C). If any base could bond with any other base, it would introduce ambiguity, possibly leading to errors and mutations in the newly formed DNA.

Step by step solution

01

Essential DNA Structure

The DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) molecule has a double-helix structure. Each strand of the helix consists of a backbone made of sugar and phosphate groups, and four types of nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C).
02

Base Pairing in DNA Structure

In the double-helix DNA, these nitrogenous bases pair in a specific way. Adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), while guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C), forming base pairs which are held together by hydrogen bonds.
03

Effect of Base Pairing on DNA Replication

During DNA replication, the double-helix structure unzips, and each strand acts as a template for making a new strand. The enzyme DNA polymerase adds new nucleotides to the exposed bases following the base pairing rules (A with T and G with C).
04

Implication of Each Base Forming Bonds with Any Other Base

If each base type could form hydrogen bonds with any of the other three base types, it would introduce ambiguity during DNA replication. DNA polymerase would not have a specific base to pair with the exposed bases on the template strand, possibly leading to errors and mutations in the newly replicated DNA.
05

Conclusion

In order to be easily replicated, a DNA molecule needs a consistent base pairing mechanism. This is why a DNA structure in which each base type could form hydrogen bonds with any of the other three base types wouldn't be easily replicated, it would lack this consistency.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Distinguish between the locations of the phosphodiester bonds and the hydrogen bonds in a DNA molecule.

Explain how DNA is a directional molecule in a chemical sense.

Place in increasing size order: nucleosome, histone protein, and chromatin.

Why must DNA be replicated?

List the steps in DNA replication.
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