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nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

In the context of nucleic acids, the term “complementary base pairing” refers to the

A. Covalent linkage between a sugar and a phosphate group
B. Specific hydrogen bonding between a purine and a pyrimidine
✓
C. Ionic attraction between the negatively charged phosphate backbone and histones
D. Random interaction of nitrogenous bases in a single strand

📝 Explanation

Complementarity is the specific pairing dictated by hydrogen bonding potential: adenine pairs only with thymine (or uracil), and guanine pairs only with cytosine. This ensures a purine always pairs with a pyrimidine, maintaining a consistent double helix structure.

📖 Additional Information

  • Covalent linkage between a sugar and a phosphate group
  • Specific hydrogen bonding between a purine and a pyrimidine
  • Ionic attraction between the negatively charged phosphate backbone and histones
  • Random interaction of nitrogenous bases in a single strand

Complementarity is the specific pairing dictated by hydrogen bonding potential: adenine pairs only with thymine (or uracil), and guanine pairs only with cytosine. This ensures a purine always pairs with a pyrimidine, maintaining a consistent double helix structure.

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