Discover Biology (Sixth Core Edition)
Discover Biology (Sixth Core Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780393936735
Author: Anu Singh-Cundy, Gary Shin
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
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Chapter 11, Problem 1SQ
Summary Introduction

Concept introduction: Base pairing can be defined as the capability of nucleotides (nucleobases) to form pairs by stacking over one another and thereby helping to form well-organized structures that help to store genetic information in the form of RNA and DNA. These bases are called as primary bases or Watson–Crick base pairs such as A=T & G=C.

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Answer to Problem 1SQ

Correct answer: The base-pairing rules for DNA state that A pairs with T, C pairs with G. Therefore, option c. is correct answer.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

According to the Chargaff’s rule of base pairing, a purine such as adenine (A) always pairs with the pyrimidine such as thymine (T) with a double bond, and the pyrimidine such as cytosine (C) always pairs with the purine such as guanine (G) with a triple bond.

Option c. is given as “A pairs with T, C pairs with G”. Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine.

Hence, option c. is the correct answer.

Reasons for the incorrect statement:

Option a. is given as “any combination of bases is allowed”. This is incorrect because bases can only pair with their complementary bases. So, option a. is incorrect.

Option b. is given as “T pairs with C, A pairs with G”. This is incorrect and against Chargaff’s rule. Purine cannot base pair with another purine, and pyrimidine cannot base pair with another pyrimidine. So option b. is incorrect.

Option d. is given as “C pairs with A, T pairs with G”. According to Chargaff’s rule of base pairing, A=G and C≡G. So, option c. is incorrect.

Hence, options a., b., and d. are incorrect.

Conclusion
The base-pairing rules for DNA state that adenine base pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine.

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