complementary base: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “complementary base” mean?
A nucleotide base in a nucleic acid that pairs with another specific base through hydrogen bonding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nucleotide base in a nucleic acid that pairs with another specific base through hydrogen bonding.
In DNA and RNA, the specific pairing between bases (adenine-thymine/uracil; guanine-cytosine) that enables accurate replication and transcription of genetic information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. Spelling and technical context are identical.
Connotations
Identical; purely denotative scientific term.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency in both British and American scientific literature.
Grammar
How to Use “complementary base” in a Sentence
DNA adenine is the complementary base for thymine.The primer must bind to the complementary base sequence.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “complementary base” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (The term is not used as a verb.)
American English
- (The term is not used as a verb.)
adverb
British English
- (The term is not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (The term is not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The complementary base rule is fundamental to genetics.
American English
- The enzyme reads the complementary base sequence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
(Not applicable)
Academic
Central concept in genetics and molecular biology lectures and research.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in laboratory protocols, bioinformatics, genetic engineering, and pharmaceutical research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “complementary base”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “complementary base”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “complementary base”
- Confusing 'complementary' with 'complimentary' (meaning flattering or free).
- Incorrectly stating base pairings (e.g., A with C).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised scientific term used almost exclusively in biology, chemistry, and related fields.
'Complementary' means combining in such a way as to enhance or complete (like bases). 'Complimentary' means expressing praise or given free of charge.
There are two canonical pairs: Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T), and Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C).
It is extremely rare. The conceptual idea of 'complementary parts' is used elsewhere, but the specific term 'complementary base' is firmly rooted in nucleic acid chemistry.
A nucleotide base in a nucleic acid that pairs with another specific base through hydrogen bonding.
Complementary base is usually technical/scientific in register.
Complementary base: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒm.plɪˈmen.tər.i ˈbeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːm.plɪˈmen.tər.i ˈbeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(Not applicable for this technical term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
**C**omplementary **B**ases **G**o **T**ogether: C with G, A with T (or U in RNA).
Conceptual Metaphor
A lock and key (specific bases fit together precisely); a zipper (two strands zip together via complementary base pairing).
Practice
Quiz
What is the role of complementary base pairing?