Final answer:
Base pairing in DNA involves specific nucleotide bases that are bonded together to form complementary base pairs. This allows for the replication of DNA and helps maintain the structure of the molecule.
Step-by-step explanation:
Base pairing in DNA occurs between specific nucleotide bases and serves important functions. The two complementary base pairs in DNA are A-T (adenine-thymine) and G-C (guanine-cytosine). These base pairs are bonded together by hydrogen bonds, with A forming two hydrogen bonds with T and G forming three hydrogen bonds with C.
The sequence from one DNA strand can be used to determine the sequence of the complementary strand. For example, if one strand has the sequence 5'-AATTGGCC-3', the complementary strand would have the sequence 3'-TTAACCGG-5'.
The base pairs in DNA are stacked inside the double helix structure like the rungs of a ladder. Each base pair is separated from the next base pair by a distance of 0.34 nm, and there are 10 base pairs per turn of the helix. This stacking of base pairs helps maintain the stability and structure of the DNA molecule.