Which base pairs with cytosine in nucleic acids?

Prepare for the Biological Anthropology Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your test!

Multiple Choice

Which base pairs with cytosine in nucleic acids?

Explanation:
Base pairing in nucleic acids depends on complementary hydrogen bonding and fitting shapes. Cytosine pairs with guanine because their functional groups align to form three hydrogen bonds, giving a stable C–G pair in both DNA and RNA. The other bases pair with different partners: adenine pairs with thymine in DNA (or with uracil in RNA), not with cytosine; thymine pairs with adenine; uracil pairs with adenine. So the partner for cytosine is guanine.

Base pairing in nucleic acids depends on complementary hydrogen bonding and fitting shapes. Cytosine pairs with guanine because their functional groups align to form three hydrogen bonds, giving a stable C–G pair in both DNA and RNA. The other bases pair with different partners: adenine pairs with thymine in DNA (or with uracil in RNA), not with cytosine; thymine pairs with adenine; uracil pairs with adenine. So the partner for cytosine is guanine.

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