Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Why are the two strands of DNA described as complementary to one another?
A
Because the strands are held together by covalent bonds between the bases
B
Because each base on one strand pairs specifically with a corresponding base on the other strand (A with T, and G with C)
C
Because the strands run in the same direction (both 5' to 3')
D
Because both strands have identical sequences of nucleotides
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA consists of two strands forming a double helix, where each strand is made up of nucleotides.
Recall that each nucleotide contains a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (A, T, G, or C).
Recognize that the two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds, not covalent bonds, between specific pairs of nitrogenous bases.
Know the base pairing rules: adenine (A) pairs specifically with thymine (T), and guanine (G) pairs specifically with cytosine (C). This specific pairing is what makes the strands complementary.
Note that the strands run in opposite directions (antiparallel), and they do not have identical sequences; instead, the sequence on one strand determines the complementary sequence on the other.