complementary base pairing
[ˌkɒm.plɪˈmen.tər.i ˈbeɪs ˈpeə.rɪŋ]
noun
pareamento de bases complementares
1. The specific hydrogen bonding pattern between nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA, where adenine pairs with thymine (or uracil in RNA) and guanine pairs with cytosine
Complementary base pairing ensures accurate DNA replication and maintains genetic information across generations.
O pareamento de bases complementares garante a replicação precisa do DNA e mantém as informações genéticas através das gerações.
2. The molecular mechanism by which the two strands of the DNA double helix are held together through weak hydrogen bonds
Watson and Crick's discovery of complementary base pairing revolutionized molecular biology.
A descoberta do pareamento de bases complementares por Watson e Crick revolucionou a biologia molecular.
This is a fundamental concept in molecular biology taught in high schools and universities in both Brazil and the USA. It is essential to understanding genetics, evolution, and biotechnology. The term is used identically in scientific contexts across both countries, though Portuguese uses 'pareamento' (Brazil) or 'emparelhamento' (Portugal).
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