Double helix | genetics | Britannica (original) (raw)
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discovery by Crick and Watson
In James Watson …a molecular model for DNA—a double helix, which can be likened to a spiraling staircase or a twisting ladder. The DNA double helix consists of two intertwined sugar-phosphate chains, with the flat base pairs forming the steps between them. Watson and Crick’s model also shows how the DNA molecule could… Read More
In biochemistry: Historical background …decade of that discovery, the double helix structure of DNA was proposed by Watson and Crick, providing a firm basis for understanding how DNA is involved in cell division and in maintaining genetic characteristics. Read More
function in genetic replication
In reproduction: Molecular replication …in the shape of a double helix (spring). The rungs, which join the two sides of the ladder, are made up of two terminal bases. There are four bases in DNA: thymine, cytosine, adenine, and guanine. In the middle of each rung a base from one strand of DNA is… Read More
history of cellular biology
In cell: DNA: the genetic material …DNA molecule (called the DNA double helix). In this model, each strand serves as a template in the synthesis of a complementary strand. Subsequent research confirmed the Watson and Crick model of DNA replication and showed that DNA carries the genetic information for reproduction of the entire cell. Read More
scientific modeling
In scientific modeling …models, such as the three-dimensional double-helix model of DNA, are used primarily to visualize an object or system, often being created from experimental data. Other models are intended to describe an abstract or hypothetical behaviour or phenomenon. For example, predictive models, such as those employed in weather forecasting or in… Read More
structure of DNA
In nucleic acid: Chemical structure …around each other, forming a double helix. The two strands, though identical, run in opposite directions as determined by the orientation of the 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester bond. The sugar-phosphate chains run along the outside of the helix, and the bases lie on the inside, where they are linked to… Read More
