Nucleotide Base Pairing

Definition

Nucleotide base pairing is the specific bonding between complementary nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA. In DNA, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C). In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil (U).

Related terms

Adenine:

A purine base that pairs with thymine in DNA or uracil in RNA.

Thymine:

A pyrimidine base that pairs with adenine in DNA.

Guanine:

A purine base that pairs with cytosine in both DNA and RNA.