Final answer:
The DNA probe 3'-GGCTTA will hybridize with the sequence 5'-CCGAAT, which is the complementary and antiparallel sequence to the given probe. Option number a is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The DNA probe 3'-GGCTTA will hybridize with a sequence that is complementary and antiparallel to it. To find the correct sequence that it will hybridize with, we must look for the sequence that has complementary nucleotides and runs in the 5' to 3' direction opposite to the probe. The nucleotide cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G), while adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) in DNA sequences.
Comparing the options given, the correct sequence that the 3'-GGCTTA probe will hybridize with is 5'-CCGAAT. This is because the base pairs align as follows:
Probe: 3'-G G C T T A-5'
Complement: 5'-C C G A A T-3'
This sequence is complementary and runs antiparallel to the probe. Hence, the answer to the student's question is A. 5'-CCGAAT.