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

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (D) Hydrogen bonding potential based on base specificity

Explanation:

• In the context of DNA, the term "complementary" refers to the specific hydrogen bonding between the nitrogenous bases of the two DNA strands.
• Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T) through two hydrogen bonds, and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G) through three hydrogen bonds. This base-pairing is specific and follows the rule of complementarity.
• The complementary nature of DNA ensures that the genetic information is accurately replicated and transcribed.

Information Booster:

• Base Pairing: The complementary base pairing between adenine and thymine, and between cytosine and guanine, is fundamental to the double-helix structure of DNA.
• Antiparallel Orientation: The two strands of DNA run in opposite directions (antiparallel), which is essential for proper base pairing and DNA replication.
• Structure of DNA: The two complementary strands of DNA are held together by hydrogen bonds between their nitrogenous bases, forming the double-helix structure first described by Watson and Crick.