Which base listed is not a DNA base?

Study for the Campbell Biology Concepts and Connections Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam now!

Multiple Choice

Which base listed is not a DNA base?

Explanation:
The main idea is that DNA and RNA use different bases. DNA contains adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine, while RNA contains adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine. Uracil is the base that belongs to RNA, not DNA, because DNA uses thymine instead of uracil. The methyl group in thymine helps DNA distinguish true thymine from uracil that can arise from damage, contributing to DNA stability. So uracil is not a DNA base.

The main idea is that DNA and RNA use different bases. DNA contains adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine, while RNA contains adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine. Uracil is the base that belongs to RNA, not DNA, because DNA uses thymine instead of uracil. The methyl group in thymine helps DNA distinguish true thymine from uracil that can arise from damage, contributing to DNA stability. So uracil is not a DNA base.

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