The term 'complementary' in the context of DNA refers to which of the following properties?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Official Paper (Held On: 05 Jun, 2025 Shift 3)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Hydrogen bonding potential based on base specificity.

Key Points

The term "complementary" in DNA refers to the ability of nucleotide bases to pair specifically through hydrogen bonding, ensuring accurate replication and transcription.
Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T) via two hydrogen bonds, while Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G) via three hydrogen bonds.
Complementary base pairing is guided by Chargaff's Rule, which states that the amount of A equals T, and the amount of C equals G in double-stranded DNA.
This property is essential for the double-helix structure of DNA, where the two strands run antiparallel to each other.
Complementary base pairing ensures genetic fidelity, allowing DNA to serve as a template for replication and RNA synthesis.

Additional Information

Nucleotide Structure: Each nucleotide consists of three components: a phosphate group, a sugar molecule (deoxyribose in DNA), and a nitrogenous base (A, T, C, G).
Antiparallel Orientation: DNA strands run in opposite directions, 5' to 3' and 3' to 5', allowing complementary base pairing.
Hydrogen Bonding: These weak bonds stabilize the double-helix structure while allowing strand separation during replication and transcription.
Chargaff's Rule: This rule provides the foundation for complementary base pairing, ensuring equal proportions of A-T and C-G pairs in double-stranded DNA.
DNA Replication: Complementary base pairing enables each strand of DNA to act as a template for the synthesis of a new strand, ensuring accurate genetic transfer.