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How many hydrogen bonds would connect the DNA sequence CATG and its complement on the other strand in a double helix?

a) 7
b) 8
c) 9
d) 10
e) 11

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The DNA sequence CATG pairs with GTAC on the complementary strand with a total of 10 hydrogen bonds, adhering to the base pairing rules of A = T with two hydrogen bonds and G = C with three hydrogen bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine how many hydrogen bonds would connect the DNA sequence CATG and its complement on the other strand in a double helix, we first need to identify the complementary base pairs. The sequence CATG pairs with GTAC on the complementary strand, following the base pairing rules, where A = T and G = C. Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T) with two hydrogen bonds, and Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C) with three hydrogen bonds. Therefore, the sequence CATG pairs with GTAC with the following hydrogen bonds:

  • C = G: 3 hydrogen bonds
  • A = T: 2 hydrogen bonds
  • T = A: 2 hydrogen bonds
  • G = C: 3 hydrogen bonds

Adding these up, we have a total of 3 + 2 + 2 + 3 = 10 hydrogen bonds.

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