Question detail
Which bases are complementary in DNA?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A-level only)
Question
- A. Adenine and Cytosine
- B. Thymine and Guanine
- C. Adenine and Thymine
- D. Cytosine and Uracil
Answer
Adenine and Thymine
Explanation
In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine through hydrogen bonds, while guanine pairs with cytosine. This specific pairing is crucial for the accurate replication and transcription of genetic information.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Base Pairing
Students often confuse the specific hydrogen bonds formed between complementary bases in DNA, such as pairing adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine.
To clarify, remember that adenine (A) forms two hydrogen bonds with thymine (T), while cytosine (C) forms three hydrogen bonds with guanine (G). This can be summarized as: A-T (2 H-bonds) and C-G (3 H-bonds). Therefore, when explaining complementary base pairing, ensure to specify the number of hydrogen bonds formed between each pair.
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