Why purine-purine and pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs

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In summary, purine bases (adenine and guanine) pair with pyrimidine bases (thymine and cytosine) in DNA due to their difference in size and structure, allowing for stable hydrogen bonding. Purine-purine and pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs are not as stable and can cause distortions in the DNA structure. While there are exceptions in RNA and DNA repair, the overall base pairing rule in DNA remains consistent.
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In DNA, the base pairs are on the inside of the heli. Eplain why purine-purine and pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs do not occur, only purine-pyrimidine base pairs?
 
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Review Watson-Crick base pairing.
 
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The structure of DNA is based on complementary base pairing, where purine bases (adenine and guanine) always pair with pyrimidine bases (thymine and cytosine). This is due to the specific hydrogen bonding patterns that can occur between these bases. Purine-purine and pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs do not occur because they do not allow for the appropriate number and type of hydrogen bonds to form, which are essential for maintaining the stability and integrity of the DNA molecule. Additionally, having only purine-pyrimidine base pairs allows for the uniform width of the DNA double helix, which is crucial for proper functioning and replication. This complementary base pairing also ensures that any errors in the DNA sequence can be easily identified and corrected during DNA replication or repair processes. Overall, the specific arrangement of purine-pyrimidine base pairs in DNA allows for the efficient and accurate storage and transmission of genetic information.
 

1. Why do purine bases only pair with pyrimidine bases?

Purine bases (adenine and guanine) have a double-ring structure, while pyrimidine bases (thymine and cytosine) have a single-ring structure. This difference in size and structure allows for proper hydrogen bonding between the bases, leading to stable base pairing.

2. What is the significance of purine-purine and pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs?

Purine-purine and pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs are not as energetically stable as purine-pyrimidine base pairs. Therefore, having purine and pyrimidine bases pair with each other ensures the stability of the DNA molecule.

3. Can purine-purine or pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs occur in DNA?

No, purine-purine and pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs are not found in DNA as they are not energetically favorable. The correct base pairing between purines and pyrimidines is essential for maintaining the stability and function of DNA.

4. How do purine-purine and pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs affect the structure of DNA?

Purine-purine and pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs have a different shape and size compared to purine-pyrimidine base pairs. This difference in structure can cause distortions in the DNA molecule, leading to instability and potential mutations.

5. Are there any exceptions to the rule of purine-purine and pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs?

There are some exceptions to this rule, such as in RNA where adenine can pair with uracil (a pyrimidine). Additionally, certain DNA repair enzymes can temporarily form purine-purine or pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs during the repair process. However, these exceptions are temporary and do not affect the overall base pairing rules in DNA.

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