bázispár
A bázispár is a fundamental unit in molecular biology, referring to two nucleobases bound to each other by hydrogen bonds. In DNA, the two strands are held together by these base pairs. The specific pairing is determined by the chemical structure of the bases: adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) always pairs with cytosine (C). This complementary base pairing is crucial for DNA replication and transcription, ensuring that genetic information is accurately copied. The sequence of these base pairs forms the genetic code, dictating the synthesis of proteins and the overall functioning of an organism. In RNA, uracil (U) replaces thymine, so adenine pairs with uracil (A-U) and guanine pairs with cytosine (G-C). The strength of the hydrogen bonds between base pairs varies; G-C pairs have three hydrogen bonds, making them more stable than A-T pairs, which have two hydrogen bonds. The concept of the bázispár is central to understanding the structure and function of nucleic acids.