Which nitrogenous bases pair together in DNA?

In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds, which is a fundamental pairing that helps stabilize the DNA structure. This pairing is part of the base-pairing rules that dictate how nitrogenous bases align with each other across the two strands of the DNA double helix.

Adenine and thymine bond because adenine is a purine, which means it has a two-ring structure, while thymine is a pyrimidine, characterized by a single-ring structure. The size and shape complement one another perfectly, allowing for the optimal hydrogen bonding that is crucial for maintaining the integrity of genetic information.

Understanding this specific pairing is vital because it underpins the processes of DNA replication and transcription, ensuring that genetic information is accurately copied and expressed. The specificity of these base pairs also contributes to the overall stability and function of the DNA molecule.