What allows each strand of DNA to serve as a template for a new DNA strand during replication?

A) Covalent bonding between nucleotide bases
B) Hydrogen bonds between the deoxyribose and the phosphate groups
C) Complementary base pairing between purines and purines on opposite strands
D) Complementary base pairing between pyrimidines and pyrimidines on opposite strands
E) Complementary base pairing between purines and pyrimidines on opposite strands

Template Strand

The strand of DNA that serves as the guide for synthesizing RNA during transcription, ensuring the correct sequence of nucleotides.

DNA Replication

The biological process of producing two identical replicas of DNA from one original DNA molecule, essential for cell division.

Complementary Base Pairing

The pairing of bases by hydrogen bond formation in double-stranded nucleic acids according to the base pairing rules: adenine pairs with thymine (in DNA) or uracil (in RNA), and guanine pairs with cytosine.