Question

If base order in one chain of DNA is "ATCGA" then how many no. of H-bond found in DNA duplex?

• A. 20
• B. 12
• C. 10
• D. 11

Answer 1

The correct option is B 12

The base pairing confers a unique property to the polynucleotide chains. The chains are complimentary to each other, such that if the sequence of one strand is known then the sequence of other strand can be predicted. Also if each strand of DNA acts as a template, for the synthesis of a new strand, the two double stranded DNA molecule thus produced would be identical to the parent molecule. The bases in the two strands of a double stranded DNA molecule are paired through hydrogen bonds forming base pairs (bp). Adenine forms two hydrogen bonds with thymine from opposite strand and vice versa. Similarly cytosine is bonded with guanine from three H bonds. As a result, always a purine comes opposite to a pyrimidine. This generated approximately, equal distance between the two strands. If base order in one chain of DNA is "ATCGA" then the number of H bonds will be 2, 2, 3, 3 and 2 respectively for the given nucleotides to base pair. Thus, the total number of hydrogen bonds will be 12.