what is the shape of dna?
What is the shape of DNA?
Answer:
The shape of DNA is a double helix, which resembles a twisted ladder or spiral staircase. The double helix structure was first proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. This structure consists of two strands that are wound around each other in a helical fashion.
Each strand of DNA is composed of nucleotides, which are made up of a sugar (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine). The nitrogenous bases from one strand form hydrogen bonds with the corresponding bases on the opposite strand, creating the rungs of the DNA ladder. Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine.
The double helix structure of DNA is important because it allows for DNA replication and the accurate transfer of genetic information during cell division. Additionally, the double helix structure provides stability and protects the genetic information stored in the DNA molecule.