Basenkoppeling

Basenkoppeling is a Dutch term that translates to "base coupling" or "base pairing" in English, primarily used in the context of molecular biology and genetics. It refers to the specific and non-covalent interactions that occur between complementary nitrogenous bases within nucleic acid molecules, such as DNA and RNA. In DNA, the base adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T) via two hydrogen bonds, while guanine (G) always pairs with cytosine (C) through three hydrogen bonds. This specific pairing, known as Watson-Crick base pairing, is fundamental to the double-helical structure of DNA and is crucial for DNA replication, transcription, and the genetic code.

In RNA, uracil (U) replaces thymine, so adenine pairs with uracil (A-U), and guanine still pairs with cytosine (G-C). These base pairings are not only responsible for holding the two strands of a DNA molecule together but also dictate how genetic information is copied and translated. The precise nature of basenkoppeling ensures the fidelity of genetic information transfer from one generation to the next and is a cornerstone of life as we know it.