Question

Which nucleic acid often base pairs with itself to fold into complex three-dimensional shapes in the cell?

A. RNA

B. DNA

C. both RNA and DNA

D. neither RNA nor DNA

Answer 1

The nucleic acid that base pairs with itself to create complex three-dimensional shapes in the cell is (A). RNA, which is single-stranded and can form stable folded structures through intramolecular base pairing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nucleic acid that often base pairs with itself to fold into complex three-dimensional shapes in the cell is RNA (Ribonucleic Acid). Unlike DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid), which typically exists as a double-stranded molecule in the shape of a double helix, RNA is primarily single-stranded.

This single-stranded nature of RNA allows it to fold upon itself and form intricate structures stabilized by short regions of complementary base pairing within the same molecule, essential for its various functions in the cell.