Complementary strands are really important when DNA makes copies of itself. Here’s why:
Base Pairing: Each tiny building block (called a nucleotide) on one strand connects to a matching building block on the other strand. For example, A pairs with T, and C pairs with G. This matching helps make sure that the copies are exact.
Semi-Conservative Replication: When DNA replicates, each new piece is made up of one old strand and one new strand. This way, the information in our genes stays accurate.
Error Rate: The enzyme that builds the DNA, called DNA polymerase, makes a mistake about once in every 100,000 base pairs. The matching pairs help keep this number low.
In short, complementary strands help keep our genetic information stable and make fewer mistakes when DNA is copied.
Complementary strands are really important when DNA makes copies of itself. Here’s why:
Base Pairing: Each tiny building block (called a nucleotide) on one strand connects to a matching building block on the other strand. For example, A pairs with T, and C pairs with G. This matching helps make sure that the copies are exact.
Semi-Conservative Replication: When DNA replicates, each new piece is made up of one old strand and one new strand. This way, the information in our genes stays accurate.
Error Rate: The enzyme that builds the DNA, called DNA polymerase, makes a mistake about once in every 100,000 base pairs. The matching pairs help keep this number low.
In short, complementary strands help keep our genetic information stable and make fewer mistakes when DNA is copied.