Final answer:
The correct answer is d. Base pairing allows production of identical daughter molecules during DNA replication. DNA strands are complementary due to the base-pairing rule, with A pairing with T and G pairing with C, which is key to the replication process and the stability of the DNA structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement concerning the DNA double helix is d. Base pairing allows production of identical daughter molecules during DNA replication. In the DNA double helix, bases on one strand pair with complementary bases on the opposite strand, following the base-pairing rule where adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C). This complementary base pairing enables the DNA strands to be copied during replication, which results in identical daughter molecules.
Each daughter molecule consists of one parental strand and one newly synthesized strand. This process ensures that genetic information is accurately transmitted from one generation to the next. Additionally, the base pairs are stabilized by hydrogen bonds, with A-T forming two hydrogen bonds and C-G forming three. Hence, base pairing not only serves as a fundamental mechanism for DNA replication but also contributes to the stability of the DNA structure, though it is not the only stabilizing force due to the presence of additional factors such as ionic and hydrophobic interactions.