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What type of bond connects base pairs? Choose one:

A. hydrogen
B. covalent
C. ionic
D. van der Waals

User Lombo
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2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

Base pairs in DNA are connected by hydrogen bonds, which are weaker than covalent or ionic bonds and essential for the structure and function of DNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of bond that connects base pairs in DNA is the hydrogen bond. Unlike covalent or ionic bonds, which are strong and require considerable energy to break, hydrogen bonds are weaker and can form between molecules with ease. These bonds are critical because they allow the unique double helix structure of DNA to form, with base pairing at the interior of the helix. Due to the lower energy required to break these bonds compared to covalent or ionic bonds, DNA can separate during processes like replication and transcription, which is essential for the transfer of genetic information.

User MrKurt
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4 votes

Final answer:

Hydrogen bonds connect base pairs in DNA, playing a crucial role in stabilizing the structure of the double helix and allowing for essential biological processes like replication and transcription (Option A).

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of bond that connects base pairs in DNA is a hydrogen bond. Hydrogen bonds are not as strong as covalent bonds, requiring less energy to break.

While covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms and ionic bonds involve the attraction of oppositely charged ions.

Hydrogen bonds are a type of weak bond that forms between a hydrogen atom, which is part of a polar covalent bond, and another electronegative atom.

In the context of DNA structure, hydrogen bonds are important because they stabilize the base pairing at the interior of the double helix, allowing the DNA to maintain its shape while still being able to unzip for replication and transcription.

These bonds are significant in biological systems as they contribute to the unique properties of water and the structural stability of important biological molecules like proteins and DNA.

Hence, the correct answer is Option A.

User Linuskmr
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