Which base pairs with cytosine in DNA?

Cytosine pairs with guanine in DNA through the formation of three hydrogen bonds, making this base pair particularly stable. This complementary pairing is fundamental to the structure of DNA, which is organized as a double helix. The pairing mechanism is crucial for accurately replicating genetic information during cell division, ensuring that the sequences of nucleotides are preserved.

Understanding base pairing helps to explain how genetic information is maintained and transmitted through generations. Thymine, adenine, and uracil do not pair with cytosine in the context of DNA; thymine pairs with adenine, while uracil is found in RNA and pairs with adenine there. The specificity of these pairings is essential in molecular biology, influencing everything from DNA replication to transcription processes.