Q. 17.25 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

How are the two strands of nucleic acid in $\mathrm{DNA}$ held together?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

        Hydrogen bonds hold two strands of nucleic acid in $\mathrm{DNA}$ together. There are two hydrogen bonds between $\mathrm{A}$ and $\mathrm{T}$ , and there are two hydrogen bonds between  $\mathrm{C}$ and $\mathrm{G}$.

Step 1: Given Introduction

     $\mathrm{DNA}$ carries genetic information in the form of a linear sequence of nucleotides.

Step 2: Explanation

     The use of one $\mathrm{DNA}$ strand as a template for the synthesis of a complementary strand causes duplication of genetic material.

The genetic information encoded in an organism's $\mathrm{DNA}$ contains the instructions for all of the proteins that it will ever produce.

Step 3: Conclusion

     Hydrogen bonds hold two strands of nucleic acid in $\mathrm{DNA}$ together. There are two hydrogen bonds between $\mathrm{A}$ and , $\mathrm{T}$ and there are two hydrogen bonds between $\mathrm{C}$ and $\mathrm{G}$.