Base Pairing

Definition

Base pairing is the fundamental process that allows the double-helix structure of DNA and the secondary structure of RNA to form. It refers to the specific interactions between the nitrogenous bases on complementary strands of nucleic acids, which are essential for the storage and transmission of genetic information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Base pairing is essential for the double-helix structure of DNA, which allows for the storage and replication of genetic information.
2. In DNA, adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) always pairs with cytosine (C) through hydrogen bonding.
3. In RNA, adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U), and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C) through hydrogen bonding.
4. The specific base pairing rules (A-T/U, G-C) ensure the stability and accurate replication of genetic information.
5. Base pairing is also crucial for the formation of the secondary structure of RNA, which is necessary for its proper function in gene expression and other cellular processes.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of base pairing in the structure and function of DNA.
  • Base pairing is essential for the double-helix structure of DNA, which allows for the storage and replication of genetic information. The specific base pairing rules, where adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C) through hydrogen bonding, ensure the stability and accurate replication of the DNA molecule. This base pairing is crucial for the storage and transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.
• Describe how base pairing is involved in the transcription of RNA from DNA.
  • During the process of transcription, the base pairing rules between DNA and RNA are utilized to create a complementary RNA molecule from the DNA template. The enzyme RNA polymerase reads the DNA sequence and synthesizes a single-stranded RNA molecule, where adenine (A) in the DNA pairs with uracil (U) in the RNA, and guanine (G) in the DNA pairs with cytosine (C) in the RNA. This base pairing between the DNA template and the newly synthesized RNA molecule is essential for the accurate transfer of genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it can be used for protein synthesis.
• Analyze the importance of base pairing in the secondary structure and function of RNA.
  • Beyond its role in the double-helix structure of DNA, base pairing is also crucial for the formation of the secondary structure of RNA, which is necessary for its proper function in gene expression and other cellular processes. The complementary base pairing between different regions of the single-stranded RNA molecule allows it to fold into complex three-dimensional structures, such as hairpin loops and stem-loop structures. These secondary structures are essential for the RNA to interact with other cellular components, such as ribosomes and regulatory proteins, and perform its various functions in gene expression, RNA processing, and cellular signaling. The specific base pairing rules ensure the stability and proper folding of the RNA molecule, which is critical for its biological activities.

Related terms

Complementary Base Pairs: The specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in nucleic acids, where adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) in DNA or uracil (U) in RNA, and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C).

Hydrogen Bonding: The attractive force that holds complementary base pairs together, formed by the sharing of hydrogen atoms between the nitrogenous bases.

Nucleotide:

The basic structural unit of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA or ribose in RNA), and a phosphate group.