What term refers to the pairs formed between complementary bases in the two DNA strands?

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Multiple Choice

What term refers to the pairs formed between complementary bases in the two DNA strands?

Explanation:
Base pairing in DNA creates base pairs, the paired bases across the two strands. These pairs form through hydrogen bonds between complementary bases—adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine—stabilizing the double helix and guiding accurate replication. The term base pairs specifically names these paired units across strands. In contrast, complementary describes the relationship, mutation is a change in sequence, and the double helix refers to the overall shape of DNA, not the actual paired units.

Base pairing in DNA creates base pairs, the paired bases across the two strands. These pairs form through hydrogen bonds between complementary bases—adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine—stabilizing the double helix and guiding accurate replication. The term base pairs specifically names these paired units across strands. In contrast, complementary describes the relationship, mutation is a change in sequence, and the double helix refers to the overall shape of DNA, not the actual paired units.

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