[Campbell Biology P.369] Based on Figure 16.9 and the accompanying text, what is the primary... | Practice Question

Based on Figure 16.9 and the accompanying text, what is the primary difference in hydrogen bonding between Adenine-Thymine A-T pairs and Guanine-Cytosine G-C pairs?

  • A: A-T pairs form three hydrogen bonds, while G-C pairs form two.
  • B: A-T pairs and G-C pairs both form two hydrogen bonds.
  • C: A-T pairs form two hydrogen bonds, while G-C pairs form three.
  • D: A-T pairs form one hydrogen bond, while G-C pairs form two.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'Adenine can form two hydrogen bonds with thymine and only thymine; guanine forms three hydrogen bonds with cytosine and only cytosine.' Figure 16.9 visually confirms these numbers.