What type of bond holds the nitrogenous bases together in the DNA structure?

The nitrogenous bases in the structure of DNA are held together by hydrogen bonds. These bonds are relatively weak compared to covalent bonds, which are responsible for connecting the sugar and phosphate backbone of the DNA strand. Each base pair, such as adenine with thymine or cytosine with guanine, is stabilized by hydrogen bonds, which allow the DNA strands to separate easily during processes like replication and transcription.

The specificity of base pairing – adenine pairing with thymine through two hydrogen bonds and cytosine pairing with guanine through three hydrogen bonds – is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the genetic code. This arrangement allows for the double-helix structure of DNA, providing both stability and flexibility, essential for the functioning of genetic material in living organisms.