In DNA, which base pairs with thymine?

Study for the DNA Structure, Replication, Transcription and Translation Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

In DNA, which base pairs with thymine?

Explanation:
DNA base pairing follows a purine–pyrimidine rule to keep the double helix width constant. Thymine is a pyrimidine, so its partner must be a purine. The only compatible partner in DNA is adenine, connected by two hydrogen bonds, forming the A–T pair. This pairing pattern—A with T and G with C—underlies accurate replication and Chargaff’s rules. In RNA, thymine is absent and uracil pairs with adenine instead.

DNA base pairing follows a purine–pyrimidine rule to keep the double helix width constant. Thymine is a pyrimidine, so its partner must be a purine. The only compatible partner in DNA is adenine, connected by two hydrogen bonds, forming the A–T pair. This pairing pattern—A with T and G with C—underlies accurate replication and Chargaff’s rules. In RNA, thymine is absent and uracil pairs with adenine instead.

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