What term describes the pairing of DNA bases?

The term that describes the pairing of DNA bases is "complementary." In DNA, the bases adenine (A) and thymine (T) pair together, while cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G). This specific pairing is due to the hydrogen bonds formed between the bases based on their unique shapes and chemical properties. Complementary base pairing ensures that the genetic code is accurately replicated during DNA replication, which is essential for cell division and the overall maintenance of genetic information.

The choice labeled as homologous typically refers to chromosomes that have the same structure and sequence of genes, not specifically to the pairing of bases. Replicative may imply the process of DNA replication rather than the base pairing itself, and corresponding is a broader term that does not directly capture the specific interaction between DNA bases. Thus, "complementary" is the most precise term reflecting the specific and necessary pairing of DNA bases in genetics.