Complementary strand definitions
| Word backwards | yratnemelpmoc dnarts |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The part of speech of "complementary strand" is a noun phrase. |
| Syllabic division | com-ple-men-ta-ry strand |
| Plural | The plural of the word complementary strand is complementary strands. |
| Total letters | 19 |
| Vogais (3) | o,e,a |
| Consonants (10) | c,m,p,l,n,t,r,y,s,d |
What is a Complementary Strand?
A complementary strand is a strand of nucleotides that pairs with another strand in a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule, such as DNA or RNA. In DNA, the complementary strand is used as a template for the synthesis of a new strand during DNA replication.
Base Pairing in Complementary Strands
The base pairing in a complementary strand is specific and follows the rules of nucleotide pairing. In DNA, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C). This base pairing ensures the accuracy of DNA replication and transcription processes.
Role in DNA Replication
During DNA replication, the DNA double helix unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. DNA polymerase enzymes add nucleotides to the new strand based on the sequence of the template strand, ensuring that the new strand is complementary to the original one.
Importance of Complementary Strands
The complementary nature of DNA strands is crucial for maintaining genetic information and carrying out various cellular processes. It allows for accurate DNA replication, transcription, and translation, ensuring that genetic information is passed on correctly from one generation to the next.
Conclusion
In summary, a complementary strand is an essential component of DNA and RNA molecules, playing a critical role in processes such as replication, transcription, and translation. The specific base pairing in complementary strands ensures the faithful transmission of genetic information and the functioning of living organisms.
Complementary strand Examples
- During DNA replication, the enzyme DNA polymerase synthesizes a new strand that is complementary to the original template strand.
- In PCR (polymerase chain reaction), primers anneal to the complementary strand of DNA to initiate amplification.
- RNA is transcribed from a DNA template strand, resulting in a complementary RNA strand.
- The two strands of DNA are held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs.
- The complementary strand of a gene serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation.
- In genetic testing, DNA samples are examined for variations in the complementary DNA sequence.
- Antisense oligonucleotides can bind to the complementary strand of mRNA and inhibit protein translation.
- During genetic recombination, strands of DNA exchange segments to form complementary chromosomes.
- In bioinformatics, software tools are used to predict the secondary structure of RNA molecules based on complementary base pairing.
- The discovery of the double helix structure of DNA revealed the complementary nature of the two intertwined strands.