What is the purpose of the hydrogen bonds in double-stranded DNA? 1st GOOD answer gets the points(:
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The hydrogen bond not only keeps the DNA stable, but because H-bonds are relatively weak, the cell can easily pull DNA apart, so that it can be used as a template for RNA.
What's more, the number and position of H-bond acceptors/donors on the base of the nucleic acid determine how bases pair up; thus are essential to DNA function.
What's more, the number and position of H-bond acceptors/donors on the base of the nucleic acid determine how bases pair up; thus are essential to DNA function.
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The hydrogen bond provides stability for the DNA molecule, however it is not too strong(like a covalent or ionic bond), this allows the DNA to unwind for DNA replication to take place.