Replication and transcription are easy to conceptualise on the basis of

Options

A. complementarity
B. polarity
C. stability
D. X-ray diffraction

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Replication and Transcription**:
- Replication is the process where DNA is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.
- Transcription is the process where a segment of DNA is used as a template to synthesize mRNA.

2. **Identifying the Strands of DNA**:
- DNA consists of two strands that run in opposite directions: one strand runs from 5' to 3' (coding strand) and the other runs from 3' to 5' (template strand).
- The coding strand is also known as the non-template strand because it has the same sequence as the mRNA that is synthesized.

3. **Role of the Coding Strand in Transcription**:
- During transcription, mRNA is synthesized using the coding strand as a template.
- The mRNA is synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction, mirroring the coding strand.

4. **Understanding Polarity**:
- Polarity refers to the directionality of the strands. The 5' to 3' direction is crucial for both replication and transcription.
- This polarity helps in understanding how nucleotides are added during the processes.

5. **Complementarity**:
- Complementarity refers to the pairing of bases between the DNA strands (A with T, and G with C).
- In the case of RNA, it pairs with DNA during transcription but is single-stranded.

6. **Stability of DNA vs. RNA**:
- DNA is more stable than RNA due to its double-stranded structure and the presence of deoxyribose sugar, which lacks an oxygen atom at the 2' carbon.
- RNA, being single-stranded and containing ribose sugar, is less stable.

7. **Conclusion**:
- The processes of replication and transcription can be easily conceptualized based on the principles of polarity, complementarity, and stability.
- Among these, polarity is the most fundamental concept that helps in understanding both processes.