(a) DNA molecules contain base pairs - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
(a) DNA molecules contain base pairs.
Describe how the base pairs are bonded together in a DNA molecule.
(b) Figure 1 shows part of a DNA molecule.
T T G A T T G C... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) DNA molecules contain base pairs - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe how the base pairs are bonded together in a DNA molecule.
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Answer
In a DNA molecule, the base pairs are held together by weak hydrogen bonds. Each base forms specific pairs: adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G). These hydrogen bonds stabilize the DNA structure, allowing it to maintain its double helix shape.
Step 2
Write the code for the complementary DNA strand in Figure 1.
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Answer
The complementary DNA strand for Figure 1 is:
A A C T A A C G C A T T
Step 3
Which is the maximum number of amino acids coded for by this strand of DNA?
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Answer
The maximum number of amino acids coded for by this strand of DNA is C (6). This is because there are 18 bases in the strand, and since three bases code for one amino acid, the calculation is:
rac{18}{3} = 6
Step 4
What is the shape of a DNA molecule?
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