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Q.Given below is the segment of a DNA strand. Write its complementary strand and the RNA strand that can be transcribed from the DNA molecule formed. 5 TAC CGT GAC GTC 3

CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2020Subjective· 2mImportance★★★★★
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The complementary DNA strand is formed by antiparallel base pairing, and the RNA strand is transcribed from the template DNA strand, replacing thymine with uracil.

Understanding the structure of DNA is fundamental to predicting its complementary strand and subsequent RNA transcription. DNA exists as a double helix, composed of two polynucleotide strands that run antiparallel to each other. This means if one strand is oriented 5' to 3', its complementary strand will be oriented 3' to 5'. The backbone of each strand is made of deoxyribose sugars and phosphate groups, while the nitrogenous bases project inwards, forming hydrogen bonds with bases on the opposite strand.

The pairing of these nitrogenous bases is highly specific, a principle known as Chargaff's rules or base pairing rules. Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T) via two hydrogen bonds, and Guanine (G) always pairs with Cytosine (C) via three hydrogen bonds. This specific pairing ensures the two strands are complementary.

Given the DNA segment: 5' TAC CGT GAC GTC 3'

To find its complementary DNA strand, we apply the base pairing rules and remember the antiparallel orientation:

  • For T, the complement is A.
  • For A, the complement is T.
  • For C, the complement is G.
  • For G, the complement is C.

Applying these rules to the given strand, and writing the complementary strand in its correct antiparallel 3' to 5' orientation:

Original DNA strand: 5' T A C C G T G A C G T C 3'

Complementary DNA strand: 3' A T G G C A C T G C A G 5'

Important

Remember that DNA strands are antiparallel. If one strand is read 5' to 3', its complementary strand must be read 3' to 5'.

Now, let's consider the transcription of an RNA strand from the DNA molecule formed. Transcription is the process where genetic information from DNA is copied into an RNA molecule. During transcription, only one of the two DNA strands acts as the template strand (also called the antisense strand). The other strand is known as the coding strand (or sense strand). The RNA polymerase enzyme reads the template strand in the 3' to 5' direction and synthesizes a new RNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction.

The RNA sequence will be complementary to the template strand, following specific base pairing rules for RNA synthesis:

  • Adenine (A) in the DNA template pairs with Uracil (U) in RNA.
  • Thymine (T) in the DNA template pairs with Adenine (A) in RNA.
  • Guanine (G) in the DNA template pairs with Cytosine (C) in RNA. …

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