How many hydrogen bonds exist between adenine and thymine pairs in DNA?

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Study for the UCF PCB3063 Genetics Final Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

In DNA, adenine (A) and thymine (T) are connected by two hydrogen bonds. This specific pairing is a key feature of the double helix structure of DNA, which allows for the stabilization of the entire molecule. The two hydrogen bonds facilitate the formation of base pairs, contributing to the specificity of base pairing—a critical aspect of DNA replication and function. This bonding preference ensures that adenine will always pair with thymine, while guanine pairs with cytosine through three hydrogen bonds. This difference in the number of hydrogen bonds between pairs plays a significant role in the overall stability and integrity of the DNA structure.