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DNA Structure · Botany

Why is the G-C base pair more stable than the A-T base pair?

  1. G-C base pairs contain a greater number of carbon atoms.
  2. G-C is held together by three hydrogen bonds, while A-T only has two.
  3. A-T base pairs are located only at the very ends of DNA.
  4. G-C involves covalent bonding, rather than hydrogen bonding, between bases.
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Correct answer: G-C is held together by three hydrogen bonds, while A-T only has two.

Guanine and Cytosine share three hydrogen bonds, providing more thermal stability than the two bonds between Adenine and Thymine. DNA with higher G-C content requires higher temperatures to denature (melt).

Difficulty: Medium Question 17 of 20

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