In RNA, which nucleotide binds to an A nucleotide?

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ASU BIO201 exam preparation with multiple choice questions that include hints and explanations. Review human anatomy and physiology effectively to excel in your exam!

In RNA, the nucleotide that binds to an adenine (A) nucleotide is uracil (U). This pairing occurs because RNA uses uracil instead of thymine (T), which is found in DNA. Adenine and uracil form complementary base pairs, similar to the way adenine pairs with thymine in DNA. This base pairing is essential for the processes of transcription and translation, where the information encoded in DNA is expressed in proteins.

During transcription, the DNA sequence is converted into RNA, where adenine in the DNA strand is paired with uracil in the newly synthesized RNA strand. The pairing rules ensure that the genetic information is correctly transferred and utilized in cellular functions. The other nucleotides (C and G) do not directly pair with A in RNA; cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G) instead. Thus, uracil is the correct pairing for adenine in RNA.

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