Question

The major interaction stabilizing the double helical structure of DNA is ____ a. the favorable charge-charge interactions between the two strands. b. covalent bonds that crosslink the two strands. c. hydrogen bonding between backbone atoms on opposite DNA strands. d. van der Waals interactions between the stacked bases of the double helix. e. hydrogen bonds between bases on opposite DNA strands.

Answer 1

The major interaction stabilizing the double helical structure of DNA is the hydrogen bonds between bases on opposite DNA strands. These hydrogen bonds are critical for maintaining the DNA's stable double helix structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The major interaction stabilizing the double helical structure of DNA is e. hydrogen bonds between bases on opposite DNA strands.

According to the Watson-Crick model, the double helix of DNA is stabilized primarily through hydrogen bonding between matching "bases". These hydrogen bonds form between specific purines and pyrimidines, with adenine (A) pairing with thymine (T) via two hydrogen bonds, and cytosine (C) pairing with guanine (G) through three hydrogen bonds. This precise alignment of hydrogen bonds contributes significantly to the stability of the double helix, ensuring the proper alignment of the corresponding base pairs and the overall structure of the DNA molecule.