Question

What is the BEST explanation that the base sequence of one DNA strand contains all the information needed to produce a complementary DNA strand?

A. Parental strands unwind during replication to reveal the information needed to produce a complementary strand.

B. The newly constructed single DNA strand can be used to make an exact replica of the original strand.

C. Two DNA strands oriented in opposite directions cannot be used to produce exact double stranded copies.

D. A messenger RNA strand transcribed from the original parent DNA is a replica of the parent DNA.

Answer 1

DNA replication involves the synthesis of a complementary DNA strand based on the original template, ensuring accurate transmission of genetic information and preservation of the genetic code. Here option C is correct.

During DNA replication, the enzyme DNA polymerase synthesizes a new strand of DNA by adding complementary nucleotides to the template strand.

The original DNA strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a complementary strand, following the rules of base pairing (A with T, and C with G). As a result, the newly synthesized strand mirrors the sequence of the original strand.

This process ensures the faithful transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. The complementary base pairing allows for the accurate reconstruction of the entire DNA molecule, preserving the genetic code and maintaining the integrity of the genetic information. Here option C is correct.