Here's how it works:
* Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T).
* Guanine (G) always pairs with Cytosine (C).
This pairing is based on the specific hydrogen bonds that form between the nitrogenous bases. These bonds are very strong and ensure that the two strands of DNA are held together in a stable double helix structure.
Therefore, if you know the sequence of one strand, you can simply replace each base with its complementary base to get the sequence of the other strand.
Example:
Strand 1: A-T-G-C-C-G-A-T
Strand 2: T-A-C-G-G-C-T-A
This complementary base pairing is essential for DNA replication and transcription. It ensures that the genetic information is accurately copied and passed on to new cells or used to create proteins.
