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Ch. 10 - DNA Structure and Analysis
Chapter 10, Problem 28

One of the most common spontaneous lesions that occurs in DNA under physiological conditions is the hydrolysis of the amino group of cytosine, converting the cytosine to uracil. What would be the effect on DNA structure of a uracil group replacing cytosine?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

DNA Structure

DNA is composed of nucleotides, each containing a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The four bases are adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. The specific pairing of these bases (A with T and C with G) is crucial for maintaining the double helix structure and ensuring accurate DNA replication and transcription.
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Base Pairing Rules

Base pairing rules dictate how nitrogenous bases pair with each other in DNA. Cytosine pairs with guanine through three hydrogen bonds, while adenine pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds. If cytosine is replaced by uracil, which normally pairs with adenine, this alteration can lead to mismatches during DNA replication, potentially causing mutations.
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DNA Repair Mechanisms

Cells have evolved various DNA repair mechanisms to correct spontaneous lesions, such as the conversion of cytosine to uracil. One key mechanism is base excision repair, which recognizes and removes uracil from DNA, replacing it with the correct cytosine. This process is vital for maintaining genomic integrity and preventing mutations that could lead to diseases.
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