Watson-Crick Base Pairing

Watson-Crick base pairing describes how the building blocks of DNA—called bases—connect specifically. DNA has four bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). A always pairs with T, and C pairs with G, like puzzle pieces fitting perfectly. These pairs are held together by hydrogen bonds, forming the steps of the DNA double helix ladder. This precise pairing ensures the genetic information is copied accurately during cell division and enables DNA to carry and transmit instructions effectively.