Question

If the nitrogenous bases in DNA were connected to each other by strong covalent bonds, how would DNA replication be affected?

The process would require less energy to break and re-form the bonds.


The process would take longer because the bases would separate in only one place.


The bases would not come apart easily, making it difficult to read the sequence.


The bases would not fit around the histones, creating longer chromosomes.

Answer 1

If DNA's nitrogenous bases were linked by covalent bonds, DNA replication would be severely hindered because the bases would be difficult to separate, obstructing the necessary 'unzipping' process for template reading and new strand synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the nitrogenous bases in DNA were connected to each other by strong covalent bonds rather than hydrogen bonds, DNA replication would be significantly impeded. The enzyme designed to break the bonds between bases during DNA replication would be unable to do so if these bonds were covalent due to their strength. Consequently, the bases would not come apart easily, complicating the 'unzipping' process necessary for reading the sequence and forming a template for replication. Therefore, essential processes such as DNA polymerase adding nucleotides to a new strand using the original strand as a template would be obstructed.

Answer 2

DNA replication be affected.

Step-by-step explanation:

• It is a process of forming two identical copies of DNA from one original DNA molecule.

• It takes place in all living organisms.

If the nitrogenous bases in DNA were connected to each other by strong covalent bonds, then the bases would not come apart easily, making it difficult to read the sequence. If the bonds are not broken then the process of replication will not take place completely. Hence the replication stops.