In DNA the complementary bases are:a)adenine and guanine; thymine and ...
Complementary Bases in DNAThe nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA. They are composed of a nitrogenous base, a sugar molecule, and a phosphate group. The nitrogenous base is responsible for the genetic information that DNA holds. There are four nitrogenous bases in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
The complementary bases in DNA are pairs of nitrogenous bases that always bond together. The base pairing rules state that adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T) and cytosine (C) always pairs with guanine (G). Therefore, the complementary bases in DNA are:
- Adenine (A) and Thymine (T)
- Cytosine (C) and Guanine (G)
This means that the amount of adenine in a DNA molecule is always equal to the amount of thymine, and the amount of cytosine is always equal to the amount of guanine. This is known as Chargaff's rule.
Significance of Complementary BasesThe complementary base pairing in DNA is very important for several reasons:
- It ensures that the genetic information is accurately replicated during cell division.
- It allows for DNA to be easily repaired if there is damage to one of the strands.
- It provides a mechanism for DNA to be transcribed into RNA, which then directs the synthesis of proteins.
ConclusionIn conclusion, the complementary bases in DNA are adenine (A) and thymine (T), and cytosine (C) and guanine (G). The base pairing rules ensure that the genetic information in DNA is accurately replicated and transcribed, and allows for DNA to be easily repaired.