BASE PAIRINGS Meaning and
Definition
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Base pairings refer to the specific bonding interactions between the nucleotide bases in a DNA or RNA molecule. In these molecules, there are four types of nucleotide bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T) in DNA (or uracil (U) in RNA). The base pairings occur when these nucleotide bases form complementary pairs with each other.
In DNA, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) through two hydrogen bonds, while cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G) through three hydrogen bonds. These specific base pairings are referred to as A-T and C-G pairings, respectively. These pairings are crucial because they allow the two strands of the DNA double helix to come together and stabilize the overall structure of the molecule.
Similarly, in RNA, adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U) through two hydrogen bonds, and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G) through three hydrogen bonds. The base pairings in RNA are temporary and play a vital role in processes such as transcription and translation.
Base pairings not only maintain the structural integrity of DNA and RNA molecules but also contribute to their function. They are vital for processes like DNA replication, gene expression, and protein synthesis. Understanding the specific base pairings in a DNA or RNA molecule is crucial for deciphering the genetic code and studying the mechanisms of various cellular processes.
Common Misspellings for BASE PAIRINGS
- vase pairings
- nase pairings
- hase pairings
- gase pairings
- bzse pairings
- bsse pairings
- bwse pairings
- bqse pairings
- baae pairings
- baze pairings
- baxe pairings
- bade pairings
- baee pairings
- bawe pairings
- basw pairings
- bass pairings
- basd pairings
- basr pairings
- bas4 pairings
- bas3 pairings
Etymology of BASE PAIRINGS
The term "base pairings" is derived from the fields of genetics and molecular biology. The word "base" refers to one of the four nitrogenous bases that make up the building blocks of DNA and RNA molecules – adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). These bases pair with each other in a specific manner: A always pairs with T (or U in RNA) by forming two hydrogen bonds, and G always pairs with C by forming three hydrogen bonds.
The word "pairing" indicates the complementary and specific nature of these base interactions. The base pairs are fundamental to the double helix structure of DNA, where two strands are held together by these complementary base pairings.
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