What characteristic of double-stranded DNA determines the ability of one strand to make an exact copy of the other strand?

O complementary pairing of bases

O hydrogen bonding between strands

O ability of bases to be connected in any order

O location of the base pairs in the center of helix

Respuesta :

Answer:

The correct answer is ''complementary pairing of bases''

Explanation:

The double-stranded DNA with the complementary nitrogenous bases that are located inwards and establish non-covalent bonds (or attractive forces) to each other that maintain the structure of the molecule. Deoxyriboses (sugars) and phosphate groups constitute the columns of the molecule. When the cell divides, each new cell that is formed must carry all the genetic information that determines its characteristics and functions. For that, before dividing, DNA must replicate, that is, generate a copy of itself. During replication, the DNA molecule unwinds, separating its chains. Each of these will serve as a template for the synthesis of new DNA strands. The double-stranded DNA structure proposed by Watson and Crick (1953) suggested several important properties of the hereditary material: Complementarity rules of the nitrogenous bases A-T and G-C suggest a simple way of replication of the hereditary material. This simple form of replication is called a semi-conservative method. When DNA replicates, its two helices separate and each one of them serves as a template to synthesize a new helix following the pairing rules of nitrogenous bases.