Base-pairing meaning

Base-pairing refers to the specific bonding between nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA molecules.


Base-pairing definitions

Word backwards gniriap-esab
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "base-pairing" is a noun.
Syllabic division base-pair-ing
Plural The plural form of base-pairing is base-pairings.
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) a,e,i
Consonants (6) b,s,p,r,n,g

Base-pairing is a fundamental concept in molecular biology that refers to the specific chemical interactions between nucleotide bases that form the building blocks of DNA. This pairing occurs between adenine (A) and thymine (T), as well as between guanine (G) and cytosine (C). These base pairs are essential for the structure and function of DNA.

The Importance of Base-Pairing

Base-pairing plays a crucial role in DNA replication, transcription, and translation. During DNA replication, the two strands of the double helix separate, and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. The specificity of base-pairing ensures that the new strand is an exact copy of the original.

Hydrogen Bonding in Base-Pairing

The specificity of base-pairing is largely due to hydrogen bonding between the complementary bases. Adenine forms two hydrogen bonds with thymine, while guanine forms three hydrogen bonds with cytosine. These hydrogen bonds provide the stability needed for the double helix structure of DNA.

The Complementary Nature of Base-Pairing

The complementary nature of base-pairing ensures that the genetic information encoded in DNA is accurately maintained and passed on to the next generation. Any mutation or error in base-pairing can lead to changes in the genetic code, potentially resulting in genetic disorders or diseases.

In conclusion, base-pairing is a fundamental process in molecular biology that underpins the structure and function of DNA. The specific interactions between complementary nucleotide bases ensure the accurate replication and transmission of genetic information. Understanding base-pairing is essential for unraveling the mysteries of genetics and heredity.


Base-pairing Examples

  1. During DNA replication, adenine always base-pairs with thymine.
  2. RNA molecules form base pairs with complementary sequences in DNA during transcription.
  3. Understanding the rules of base-pairing is essential in studying genetic mutations.
  4. The stability of DNA double helix is maintained by hydrogen bonds between base pairs.
  5. Base-pairing specificity plays a crucial role in primer design for PCR amplification.
  6. The discovery of the complementary nature of base-pairing revolutionized molecular biology.
  7. Base-pairing between DNA and RNA is fundamental in protein synthesis.
  8. Mutations can result from errors in base-pairing during DNA replication.
  9. Formation of Watson-Crick base pairs is a key feature of DNA structure.
  10. Base-pairing interactions contribute to the three-dimensional folding of RNA molecules.


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  • Updated 19/06/2024 - 00:31:29