Chapter 25, Problem 7PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The structural formula showing hydrogen bonds between lactam form of guanine and thymine are to be written and further indicate the consequences it might have onto the complementary strand during the next replication cycle.

Concept Introduction:

Normally, in DNA, guanine occurs in the lactam form and pairs with cytosine by forming three hydrogen bonds. When guanine tautomerizes to lactam form, it pairs with thymine instead. This mispairing then passes on to the daughter DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) formed during replication and hence, brings about permanent changes called mutations.