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

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.