Which of the following features of DNA makes in uniquely suited to store and transmit genetic information from generation to generation ?

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Q: 129 (IAS/2001)
Which of the following features of DNA makes in uniquely suited to store and transmit genetic information from generation to generation ?

question_subject: 

Science

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,32,43,25,32,14,4

keywords: 

{'dna': [3, 1, 1, 2], 'genetic information': [2, 0, 0, 0], 'double helix': [1, 0, 1, 0], 'phosphate backbone': [0, 0, 1, 0], 'features': [2, 1, 2, 14], 'generation': [2, 1, 3, 5], 'complementarity': [0, 0, 1, 0], 'sugar': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'base': [3, 0, 3, 6]}

Alert - the correct answer should be 1.

Option 1, `Complementarity of the two strands` is the correct answer. Complementarity is a fundamental aspect of DNA`s structure, where Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T), and Guanine (G) always pairs with Cytosine (C). This allows for accurate replication of DNA as the sequence can be perfectly copied using the complementary strand as a template.

Option 2, `Double helix` is the structure of the DNA molecule but it`s not the principal reason DNA can store and transmit genetic information. It does offer protection to the genetic code, but it doesn`t inherently facilitate replication.

Option 3, `Number of base-pairs per turn`, is not directly related to its ability to store and transmit genetic information. This factor mostly influences the supercoiling of DNA and its compactness.

Option 4, `Sugar-phosphate backbone` mainly provides structural stability and doesn`t directly contribute to the information storage ability. The sequence of bases (information) is not encoded in the sugar-phosphate backbone but in the specific ordering of nitrogenous bases.

Thus, the complementarity of the two strands is the key feature that enables DNA to reproduce itself accurately

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