What rules state the pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA?

The pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA is defined by the base pairing rules, which establish how specific bases interact with each other. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds, while cytosine pairs with guanine through three hydrogen bonds. In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine, following the same principle of specific pairing. This specificity is critical for the processes of DNA replication and transcription, ensuring that genetic information is accurately copied and translated into proteins.

The genetic code pertains to how sequences of nucleotides correspond to amino acids but does not specifically address the pairing of the bases themselves. Replication rules focus on how DNA is duplicated prior to cell division, rather than the base interactions. Amino acid rules might refer to how amino acids are specified during translation but again do not deal with base pairing between nucleotides in the nucleic acids. The base pairing rules are foundational to understanding the molecular structure of DNA and RNA and their functions in biological systems.