Complementary Base Pairing Flashcards

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What is meant by complementary base pairing in DNA?

It is the rule that each base in DNA only pairs with one specific partner base.

Name the four bases found in DNA.

The four bases are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C) and guanine (G).

Which base always pairs with adenine (A) in DNA?

In DNA, adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T).

Which base always pairs with cytosine (C) in DNA?

In DNA, cytosine (C) always pairs with guanine (G).

How many DNA strands are held together by complementary base pairing in the double helix?

Two strands are held together by complementary base pairing in the DNA double helix.

What type of bond holds the complementary base pairs together in DNA?

Weak hydrogen bonds hold the complementary base pairs together in DNA.

Why does complementary base pairing make DNA replication accurate?

Because each base only pairs with one partner, new strands can be built that match the original exactly.

What is a complementary DNA strand?

It is a DNA strand whose bases pair correctly with the bases on the original strand, using A–T and C–G.

If one DNA strand has the base order A C G T, what is the base order on the complementary strand?

The complementary strand will have T G C A.

In RNA, which base pairs with adenine (A) instead of thymine (T)?

In RNA, uracil (U) pairs with adenine (A) instead of thymine (T).