DNA is a double-stranded helix molecule with a sugar-phosphate backbone and base pairs attached. Hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs, such as adenine pairing with thymine and cytosine pairing with guanine, allow the DNA strands to bond in a helical structure. These weak hydrogen bonds also make DNA replication possible by allowing the strands to separate more easily than if bonded by stronger covalent bonds.

1. Week 1 Warm Up
Explain the following characteristics of DNA.
What is a double helix molecule?
A Double Helix Molecule is a double-stranded molecule that is twisted into a helix like a
spiral staircase. Each strand is comprised of a sugar-phosphate backbone and numerous
base chemicals attached in pairs.
Why are hydrogen bonds important in DNA?
Hydrogen Bonds are weak bonds, making it easier to break so DNA replication is easier
whereas if they were covalent bonds DNA replication would not be possible
What does it mean when we say that DNA has complementary bases?
It means the standard arrangement of bases in nucleotides in relation to their opposite pairing ,
such as thymine being paired with adenine and cytosine paired with guanine.