What are the four bases of DNA?

The four bases of DNA are adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine. These bases pair specifically with one another to form the rungs of the DNA ladder structure. Adenine pairs with thymine, and guanine pairs with cytosine, which is integral to the DNA's double helix formation and its role in genetic encoding.

Adenine and guanine are classified as purines, while cytosine and thymine are pyrimidines. The unique combination of these bases encodes the genetic information necessary for various biological functions and the development of organisms. Understanding the correct composition of DNA is fundamental in genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology as it underlies many processes like replication, transcription, and translation.