The term used to describe the natural shape of dna

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the term used to describe the natural shape of dna

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What is the Term Used to Describe the Natural Shape of DNA?

Answer:

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule responsible for carrying genetic information in living organisms. Its structure is famously known as a double helix.

Introduction to DNA Structure

DNA is composed of two long chains of nucleotides twisted around each other. This structure resembles a twisted ladder, where the side rails are made of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups, and the rungs are pairs of nitrogenous bases.

Step 1: Understanding the Double Helix

  1. Components of the Double Helix:

    • Sugar-Phosphate Backbone: This forms the outer sides of the helix.
    • Base Pairs: The inner rungs of the ladder are made by pairing adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine through hydrogen bonds.

  2. Anti-parallel Strands:

    • The two strands run in opposite directions, meaning one end of the DNA molecule has a 3’ end opposite a 5’ end on the other strand.

Step 2: Properties and Stability

  1. Hydrogen Bonding: The nitrogenous bases form hydrogen bonds that stabilize the helical structure.

  2. Helical Turn: Each complete turn of the DNA helix spans approximately 10 base pairs.

Step 3: Implications of the Structure

  • The double helix shape allows DNA replication and transcription, enabling genetic information’s faithful copying and expression.

  • DNA’s structure is vital for cellular processes, genetic expression, and heredity.

Final Answer:

The natural shape of DNA is described as a double helix. This structure is characterized by two intertwined strands forming a helical shape, with complementary base-pairing stabilizing the overall formation.