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base pairing nucleotide bases form the core of the double-stranded DNA helix. To maintain a constant distance between the two opposing sugar-phosphate backbones, it is necessary for the bases to align in combinations with similar dimensions, a requirement that is fulfilled by always aligning a purine (A or G) with a pyrimidine (T or C). When present in the core of the DNA helix, A and T are each capable of two hydrogen bond interactions in their most stable configuration, while G and C are capable of three hydrogen bond interactions. The AT/GC (or Watson-Crick) base pairing rules dictate that the most stable condition for a DNA double helix occurs when A is aligned and hydrogen bonded with T and G is aligned and hydrogen bonded with C.

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