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What is the minimum number of hydrogen bonds in a length of DNA containing 900 base pairs?

a) 900
b) 450
c) 225
d) 899

User MrEmpty
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Final answer:

The minimum number of hydrogen bonds in a segment of DNA containing 900 base pairs, assuming all are A-T pairs with the least number of bonds, would be 1800. This is calculated by multiplying the number of base pairs (900) by the number of hydrogen bonds between A and T (2).

Step-by-step explanation:

The question centers around the structure of DNA and the role hydrogen bonds play in maintaining the stability of its double helix structure. In a length of DNA containing 900 base pairs, each base pair is connected by hydrogen bonds. Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T) with 2 hydrogen bonds, whereas Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G) with 3 hydrogen bonds.

Since the student is asked for the minimum number of hydrogen bonds, we consider the scenario where all the base pairs are A-T pairs, which would correspond to the least number of hydrogen bonds because A-T pairs have fewer hydrogen bonds than C-G pairs. Multiply the number of base pairs by the minimum number of hydrogen bonds between A and T, which is 2.

900 base pairs × 2 hydrogen bonds/base pair = 1800 hydrogen bonds.

This calculation reveals that the minimum number of hydrogen bonds in a segment of DNA with 900 base pairs is 1800. Thus, the correct option is not explicitly provided in the list (a, b, c, d), but the understanding of biology and the mathematical operation lead us to the minimum amount.

User Travis Waelbroeck
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