Understanding Complementary Strand Synthesis: A Key Process in DNA Replication

the new strand of DNA created during replication that matches the original strand of DNA by following the base-pair rule

The new strand of DNA created during replication that matches the original strand of DNA by following the base-pair rule is called the complementary strand

The new strand of DNA created during replication that matches the original strand of DNA by following the base-pair rule is called the complementary strand.

During DNA replication, the two strands of the double helix (the parent strands) unwind and separate. Each parent strand then serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. The base-pair rule states that adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) always pairs with guanine (G). This is known as complementary base pairing.

For example, if the original DNA strand has the sequence:

5′- ATGCGTCA – 3′

The complementary strand synthesized during replication would have the following sequence:

3′- TACGCAGT – 5′

As you can see, adenine (A) on one strand pairs with thymine (T) on the other strand, and cytosine (C) on one strand pairs with guanine (G) on the other strand.

This process ensures that the genetic information is accurately copied and maintained during DNA replication. The resulting two double-stranded DNA molecules are identical to each other and to the original DNA molecule, allowing for the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.

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