The base pairing between adenine and thymine is a fundamental concept in the structure of DNA. Adenine (A) and thymine (T) are complementary bases that pair together in the DNA double helix. These two bases form hydrogen bonds to stabilize the DNA structure. Here’s a detailed explanation of how many hydrogen bonds adenine and thymine form with each other:
1. Identification of Base Pairs:
- Adenine (A) and thymine (T) are both nitrogenous bases found in DNA. They specifically pair together due to their complementary shapes and chemical properties.
2. Formation of Hydrogen Bonds:
- Hydrogen bonds are weak bonds that play a crucial role in holding the two strands of DNA together. Each hydrogen bond is an attraction between a hydrogen atom, which is bonded to a more electronegative atom (like nitrogen or oxygen), and another electronegative atom.
3. Specific Bonding Between Adenine and Thymine:
- Adenine has distinct spots where it can form hydrogen bonds with thymine. Specifically, adenine and thymine form two hydrogen bonds with each other.
4. Functional Importance:
- These hydrogen bonds are essential for the proper alignment and stability of the DNA double helix. They ensure that the two strands of DNA are held together in the precise orientation necessary for replication and various cellular processes.
Thus, the number of hydrogen bonds formed between adenine and thymine is 2.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
B) 2
