Q2.1 - Hydrogen bonds can form with bases on the opposite DNA strands in the double helix, or between the bases and H2O in the single stranded conformation. Considering that the double helix is the most stable conformation in water, how does this observation support the conclusion that base stacking contributes more to helix stability than interbase hydrogen bonding

Explanation:

In the  structure of  Nucleic acids the nucleobases (nucleotide and bases) are arranged is  a specific  form.This form of arrangement is called Base stacking.It simply refers to the bond formed between the adjacent bases.

These nitrogenous bases of (A,T,C.G) pairing  in DNA are in planes in geometry.The bases planes stack  with one another.This form of arrangement  give rooms for more Van der Waals interactions in the plane of the bases.Although the Van der Waals are weak interactions,the bond ensure that these bases are braided or twisted together to give maximum energy,to maintain stability of the bases,and therefore of DNA structure

Therefore in water  and other aqueous solution the stability of  structure of DNA is enhanced by the base stacking,(coiling or twisting)with maximum van der waals interaction  among the bases, than the hydrogen  bonds formed between bases.Generally there are more stacking among G-C,than A-T,thus the former pairing contribute more the structural stability than the latter (A-T)

my teacher would say no s