MCAT Biology : Nucleotides and Nucleic Acid Dervatives

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for MCAT Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Nucleotides And Nucleic Acid Dervatives

How many hydrogen bonds does it take to hold adenine and thymine together? Cytosine and guanine?

Possible Answers:

1; 2

2; 3

1; 3

2; 2

2; 4

Correct answer:

2; 3

Explanation:

In order to hold a base pair together, the hydrogen bond(s) between the bases must be stable. This stability depends on many factors, such as the size and shape of the bases. The adenine-thymine base pair is most stable when held together by 2 hydrogen bonds, while the cytosine-guanine base pair is most stable when held together by 3 hydrogen bonds.

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