Missing Hydrogen in DNA base pairs

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The discussion centers on the hydrogen atoms in DNA base pairs, specifically adenine-thymine (A-T) and guanine-cytosine (G-C). The initial question highlights a discrepancy in the expected number of hydrogen atoms when these bases combine, noting that the molecular formulas suggest more hydrogens than are depicted in structural diagrams. Participants clarify that the missing hydrogen atoms are actually replaced by carbon atoms (C1') that bond to the sugar-phosphate backbone of the DNA strand. This bonding is crucial for the structural integrity of DNA, as it connects the bases to the backbone, explaining the apparent reduction in hydrogen counts in the diagrams. The conversation emphasizes understanding the molecular structure of DNA and the role of these connections in its overall formation.
Scienceklutz
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The question: What happens to the extra hydrogen when the base pairs combine?

For example the formula for Adenine and Thymine are C5H5N5 & C5H6N2O2. So when combined there should be 11 hydrogen, however in the diagrams for A and T when together only show H9. 2 off. Same with G and C, C5H5N5O & C4H5N3O. There should be 10 hydrogen total, but the diagram shows 8. 2 off. What concept am I missing?

Thank you!
 

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Look up the molecules and figure out which hydrogens are missing. Can you see what has replaced H in the figure you posted?
 
I think I see what you are saying... The missing H's are replaced with what looks like ( C1' ) ? Don't know what that stands for though...They are located in the lower right and left of each diagram. Am I on the right track? So would those symbols represent where they bond to the sugar phosphate backbone of the DNA strand?
 
Scienceklutz said:
I think I see what you are saying... The missing H's are replaced with what looks like ( C1' ) ? Don't know what that stands for though...They are located in the lower right and left of each diagram. Am I on the right track? So would those symbols represent where they bond to the sugar phosphate backbone of the DNA strand?
Correct. Have a look at this picture in Wikipedia, where you see also the backbone: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA#/media/File:DNA_chemical_structure.svg
 

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