Question

What do these bases in DNA do again?


Code for traits.


Taste sweet.


Support the structure of DNA.


Answers

GPT-4o mini
In DNA, there are four nucleotide bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). Here's how they relate to the functions you've mentioned:

1. **Code for traits**: The sequence of these nucleotide bases forms genes, which are pairs of base combinations that encode instructions for building proteins. These proteins ultimately determine the traits of an organism.

2. **Taste sweet**: This statement doesn't accurately describe the role of DNA bases. The ability to taste sweetness is a trait that is genetically influenced, but the DNA bases themselves do not impart taste. Instead, specific genes may encode proteins like taste receptors that determine how an organism perceives sweetness.

3. **Support the structure of DNA**: The bases in DNA play a crucial role in the structure through base pairing (A pairs with T, and C pairs with G) which stabilizes the double helix formation. However, the sugar and phosphate backbone of DNA is what physically supports the structure; the bases are attached to this backbone.

In summary, the primary role of DNA bases is to encode genetic information that determines traits, while also contributing to the stability of the DNA structure.

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