Essential Cell Biology
Essential Cell Biology
4th Edition
ISBN: 9780815344544
Author: Keith Roberts, Karen Hopkin, Alexander D Johnson, Martin Raff, Dennis Bray, Bruce Alberts, Julian Lewis, Peter Walter
Publisher: TAYLOR
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 5, Problem 1Q
Summary Introduction

Introduction: The transmission of traits into next generation occurs as heritable information in the form of DNA. The monomers that make up the DNA are nucleotides. There are four different nucleotides. These are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). In a double stranded DNA helix, A pair with T and C pair with G. A nucleotide is composed of a deoxyribose sugar, a nitrogenous base and a phosphate group. The nucleotides are covalently linked together in a chain through sugars and phosphates. This forms a backbone alternating with sugar-phosphate-sugar-phosphate. The structure and function of DNA are correlated with each other and are based on the base pair composition, and their arrangement. DNA strands are anti-parallel.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1Q

Correct answer: Option B. is given as “G-C base pairs are more stable than A-T base pairs”.

Therefore, option B. is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

A-T base pairs are connected by two hydrogen bonds whereas G-C base pairs are connected by three hydrogen bonds. The breaking of three hydrogen bonds would require more energy than the breaking of two hydrogen bonds. So, G-C base pairs would be more stable than the A-T base pairs.

Hence, option B. is correct.

Reason for the incorrect statement:

Option A. is given as “A DNA strand has a polarity because its two ends contain different bases”. But, the polarity of the DNA strands is due to its phosphate group and hydroxyl group in its sugar-phosphate backbone.

So, option A. is incorrect.

Conclusion

The statement “G-C base pairs are more stable than A-T base pairs” is correct.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781259398629
Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
Text book image
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780815344322
Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Text book image
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781260159363
Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Text book image
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9781260231700
Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:McGraw Hill Education
Molecular Techniques: Basic Concepts; Author: Dr. A's Clinical Lab Videos;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HFHZy8h6z0;License: Standard Youtube License