The four letters in DNA represent the four nucleotide bases that make up the DNA molecule. These letters are A, T, G, and C.
The 4 DNA Letters Explained
DNA utilizes a four-letter "alphabet" to encode genetic information. Each letter corresponds to a specific nucleotide base. Here's a breakdown:
| Letter | Nucleotide Base |
|---|---|
| A | Adenine |
| T | Thymine |
| G | Guanine |
| C | Cytosine |
These four bases, adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, are the fundamental building blocks of DNA. They pair up in a specific way—A with T and G with C— forming the double helix structure of DNA. The sequence of these bases carries the genetic code.
Here are some key points about these bases:
- Adenine (A): Pairs specifically with thymine (T).
- Thymine (T): Pairs specifically with adenine (A).
- Guanine (G): Pairs specifically with cytosine (C).
- Cytosine (C): Pairs specifically with guanine (G).
This specific pairing is essential for the replication and transcription processes of DNA.
