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The helix makes one complete turn every 34 A because each base pair is rotated b

ID: 973684 • Letter: T

Question

The helix makes one complete turn every 34 A because each base pair is rotated by 32 degree with respect to adjacent base pairs and is separated by 3.4 A from them along the helical axis. The purines and pyrimidines arc on the inside of the helix and the phosphodiester backbones are on the outside. Base composition analysis of DNA duplexes isolated from many organisms have shown that the amounts of A and T are equal as are the amounts of G and C. The sequence in one strand of the helix varies independently of that in the other strand. T can form three hydrogen bonds with either G or C in the opposite strand. Both strands run in the same direction, 3' - 5'; they are parallel.

Explanation / Answer

c. True.

d. True.

e. True.

f. False

Because, the sequence in one strand determines the sequence of the other strand due to base pairing.

g. False

T always forms bonds with A, but not with G or C. T-A has two hydrogen bonds, where as G-C bond has three hydrogen bonds.

h. False.

Both strands run in opposite direction. One strand runs from the 3' end to 5' end, and the other runs from the 5' to 3' end. Thus, they are antiparallel.