Base Pairing in DNA

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms. It is composed of two long strands that form a double helix. Each strand is made up of nucleotides, which are the basic building blocks of DNA. A nucleotide consists of three components: a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base. The four nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). The sequence of these bases encodes the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all living organisms. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, while cytosine pairs with guanine. This pairing is crucial for the accurate replication of DNA during cell division.