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BIOCHEMISTRY

THE NUCLEIC ACIDS

DNA IS MADE OF TWO STRANDS OF POLYNUCLEOTIDE

  • The sister strands of the DNA molecule run in opposite directions (antiparallel).

  • They are joined by the bases.

  • Each base is paired with a specific partner

  • A is always paired with T

  • C is always paired with G

  • This the sister strands are complementary but not identical

  • The bases are joined by hydrogen bonds, individually weak but collectively strong.

© Paul Billiet 2009