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Multiple Choice
Which mRNA nucleotide is complementary to guanine?
A
Uracil
B
Cytosine
C
Adenine
D
Thymine
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of complementary base pairing in nucleic acids. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine. In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil, and cytosine still pairs with guanine.
Identify the nucleotide in question. Here, we are asked about the nucleotide that is complementary to guanine in mRNA.
Recall that in both DNA and RNA, guanine pairs with cytosine. This is due to the specific hydrogen bonding patterns between these bases.
Consider the options provided: Uracil, Cytosine, Adenine, and Thymine. Since we are dealing with mRNA, thymine is not present, and uracil replaces thymine to pair with adenine.
Conclude that the nucleotide complementary to guanine in mRNA is cytosine, as it forms three hydrogen bonds with guanine, maintaining the stability of the RNA structure.