Base Pair (Noun)
Meaning
One of the pairs of chemical bases joined by hydrogen bonds that connect the complementary strands of a DNA molecule or of an RNA molecule that has two strands; the base pairs are adenine with thymine and guanine with cytosine in DNA and adenine with uracil and guanine with cytosine in RNA.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- In the DNA molecule, a base pair consists of a guanine and cytosine bonded by hydrogen bonds, playing a crucial role in its stability and function.
- Adenine pairs with thymine to form one type of base pair, a crucial interaction for DNA's double-stranded structure.
- Scientists examining the structure of DNA can use various methods to study and sequence its constituent base pairs, unraveling the mysteries of life at its fundamental level.
- Research indicates that disruptions to normal base pairs within the genome may have far-reaching effects, often linked to specific disease patterns or risk profiles.
- Ultraviolet light's damage to skin can disrupt DNA by introducing dimer formations of pyrimidine base pairs, initiating harmful biological changes if not correctly repaired by the body.