Q. 17.26 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

What is meant by complementary base pairing?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

          Each base on one strand of a polynucleotide strand creates a hydrogen bond with a particular base on the opposing $\mathrm{DNA}$ strand. Only adenine and guanine bind to thymine and cytosine, respectively. Complementary base paring is the term for this.

Step 1: Given Information

     The two nitrogen-containing portions of a nucleotide that link together to connect $\mathrm{DNA}$ or $\mathrm{RNA}$ strands are known as complementary bases. $\mathrm{DNA}$ and $\mathrm{RNA}$ are both made up of nucleotides, which are complex molecules important in genetics.

Step 2: Explanation

     Each base on one strand of a polynucleotide strand creates a hydrogen bond with a particular base on the opposing $\mathrm{DNA}$ strand. Only adenine and guanine bind to thymine and cytosine, respectively. Complementary base paring is the term for this.