Missing Hydrogen in DNA base pairs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the apparent discrepancy in the number of hydrogen atoms in DNA base pairs, specifically focusing on the combinations of Adenine and Thymine, and Guanine and Cytosine. Participants explore the structural representations of these base pairs and their connections to the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the missing hydrogen atoms when base pairs combine, noting the expected versus actual counts in diagrams.
  • Another participant suggests looking up the molecules to identify which hydrogens are missing and hints at replacements in the structural diagrams.
  • A participant proposes that the missing hydrogens may be replaced by symbols like (C1'), expressing uncertainty about their meaning and suggesting they indicate bonding to the sugar-phosphate backbone.
  • A later reply confirms the participant's observation about the bonding symbols and directs them to a visual reference for further clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to be exploring the same question regarding the missing hydrogens, but there is no consensus on the exact interpretation of the structural representations or the implications of the bonding symbols.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the underlying assumptions about the structural chemistry of DNA or the specific roles of the symbols in the diagrams.

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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