BASE PAIR Meaning and
Definition
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A base pair refers to a fundamental unit of genetic material, specifically DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid). It is formed by two complementary nitrogenous bases that are bound together by hydrogen bonds. Each base pair consists of two nucleotides, representing one from each strand of the DNA double helix. In DNA, the four nitrogenous bases that form base pairs are adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C), while in RNA, uracil (U) replaces thymine.
Base pairing is a crucial process in DNA replication and transcription. Adenine always pairs with thymine (or uracil in RNA) through two hydrogen bonds, while guanine pairs with cytosine through three hydrogen bonds. The complementarity between the bases allows for the precise replication of genetic information during cell division and the accurate transference of genetic instructions into RNA molecules.
The sequence of base pairs along the DNA molecule forms the genetic code that carries the instructions for the synthesis of proteins and the regulation of cellular processes. Scientists use base pairing rules to analyze and compare DNA sequences, facilitating the identification of genes, genetic mutations, and evolutionary relationships between organisms.
In summary, a base pair is a pair of nucleotides formed by two complementary nitrogenous bases in DNA (or RNA) held together by hydrogen bonds. These base pairs are crucial for genetic information storage, replication, transcription, and the transmission of genetic instructions.
Common Misspellings for BASE PAIR
- vase pair
- nase pair
- hase pair
- gase pair
- bzse pair
- bsse pair
- bwse pair
- bqse pair
- baae pair
- baze pair
- baxe pair
- bade pair
- baee pair
- bawe pair
- basw pair
- bass pair
- basd pair
- basr pair
- bas4 pair
Etymology of BASE PAIR
The term "base pair" originated in the field of molecular biology and genetics to describe the complementary pairing of nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA. The word "base" refers to the individual nucleotide bases, which are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G) in DNA, and adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), and guanine (G) in RNA. These bases pair with each other in a specific way: A always pairs with T (or U in RNA), and C always pairs with G.
The concept of base pairing emerged in the mid-20th century with the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. The term "base pair" itself was likely coined shortly after, but its specific etymology is not well-documented.
Similar spelling words for BASE PAIR
- bowery boys,
- Pari Passu,
- buss bar,
- pure boys,
- bass part,
- pro pose,
- power base,
- bughouse bar,
- corrective pre-base,
- bass brew,
- bass pro,
- back porch,
- pierre bezier,
- pre pays,
- bass bar,
- pussy power,
- bus bar,
- base-poor soil,
- Barrio Boyzz.
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