Final answer:
To change the genetic code in DNA, hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases in the double helix need to be broken. These bonds are weaker than covalent or ionic bonds, making them the point of separation during DNA replication and transcription.
Step-by-step explanation:
To change the genetic code within DNA, one would need to break hydrogen bonds. The structure of DNA consists of two strands forming a double helix with nucleotide bases paired together.
The bases are joined by hydrogen bonds, which are relatively weak and can be easily broken compared to covalent bonds or ionic bonds.
These hydrogen bonds allow the two strands to separate during processes such as DNA replication and transcription.
It is the breaking of these hydrogen bonds that leads to changes in the genetic code during mutations or when DNA is manipulated through genetic engineering.
It is not ionic bonds, covalent bonds, or van der Waals interactions that would need to be broken to alter the genetic code of DNA. The hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases in the DNA molecule are the key targets when aiming to change the genetic sequence.