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Question:
DNA is a long molecule that contains our unique genetic code. It holds the instructions for making all the proteins in our bodies. DNA is a double helical structure (like a twisted ladder) that contains the four nitrogenous bases: adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. Each base forms hydrogen bonds with another base on the complementary strand.
The bases have a precise bonding pattern. Adenine bonds with thymine and guanine bonds with cytosine (remember: AT/GC). Because of this method of bonding, the strands can be replicated, producing identical stрands of DNA.
In RNA, the complement of adenine (A) is uracil (U) instead of thymine (T), so the pairs that form are adenine: uracil and guanine: cytosine.
Note that ACGT would have been the correct answer if we were asked for the DNA bases. However, because we were asked for the mRNA bases, thymine (T) must be replaced with uracil (U).
Remember:
DNA: AT/GC
RNA: AU/GC
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