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

58113 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline the roles of synapses in the nervous system


What is the definition of a species?


mRNA is used during translation to form polypeptides. Describe how mRNA is produced in the nucleus of a cell. (6)


Describe how Carbon Dioxide is assimilated in the Calvin cycle.


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning