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

59513 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the importance of aerobic respiration?


Explain osmosis and explain why this is an important concept in maintaining water potential in animal cells.


What is the difference between interspecific competition and intraspecific competition?


Describe the stages in viral replication


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