What makes DNA molecules so stable?

The main bonding in DNA which renders the double helix structure so stable is that of hydrogen bonds. Between the complementary base pairs, hydrogen bonds connect the two strands of the helix. There are 3 H bonds between Guanine and Cytosine and 2 between Adenine and Thymine. As well as this there are hydrogen bonds between the bases and surrounding water molecules, and this combined with the even stronger phosphodiester bonds in the sugar phosphate backbone make DNA very stable. 

SA
Answered by Steven A. Biology tutor

55692 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the structure of muscle and how it contracts


Describe how an action potential is carried across a synapse between to neurons.


What is the difference between competitive and non competitive inhibitors?


How does the structure of glycogen relate to its function?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning