Question

If you know the sequence of one strand of DNA, you can predict the sequence of the other strand because:

a) The strands are anti-parallel
b) One strand is arranged 5' —> 3' and the other strand is arranged 3' —> 5'
c) Adenine always pairs with guanine and cytosine always pairs with thymine
d) Adenine always pairs with thymine and cytosine always pairs with guanine

Answer 1

The sequence of one DNA strand can predict the other due to the base complementary rule where A pairs with T and C with G, and because DNA strands are anti-parallel.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you know the sequence of one strand of DNA, you can predict the sequence of the other strand because adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T) and cytosine (C) always pairs with guanine (G). This is known as the base complementary rule. The two strands of DNA are anti-parallel, meaning the 3' end of one strand aligns with the 5' end of the other. Thus, if the sequence of one strand of DNA is 5'-AATTGGCC-3', the complementary strand would be 3'-TTAACCGG-5'. During DNA replication, each strand serves as a template for the creation of its complement, ensuring that DNA can accurately copy itself.