Final answer:
G-C base pairing is stronger than A-T base pairing because G and C form three hydrogen bonds with each other, while A and T form only two, making the G-C pairs more stable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The base pairing in DNA is characterized by the specific pairing of nucleotide bases known as adenine (A) with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) with guanine (G). The reason why G—C base pairing is stronger than A—T base pairing is due to the number of hydrogen bonds formed between the bases. G and C form three hydrogen bonds with each other, whereas A and T only form two.
These additional hydrogen bonds make G—C base pairs more stable and thus stronger. The strength of these base pairs is critical for the stability and integrity of the DNA double helix, which is essential for the preservation and transfer of genetic information during cell division.