HELICAL DNA Meaning and
Definition
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Helical DNA refers to the characteristic structure of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule, which is composed of two strands that wind around each other in a twisted, spiral manner. The term "helical" derives from the word helix, which describes a three-dimensional curve resembling a coiled spring or a corkscrew.
The double helical structure of DNA was first proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, based on X-ray crystallography data collected by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. They revealed that the DNA molecule consists of two parallel strands, each formed by a chain of nucleotides. The nucleotide units are composed of a sugar phosphate backbone and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine). The two DNA strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases with adenine pairing with thymine and cytosine pairing with guanine.
The helical structure of DNA is crucial to its function as the genetic material in living organisms, as it allows for the precise replication and transmission of genetic information during cell division and protein synthesis. The double helix permits the separation of the two strands, enabling the formation of complementary strands during DNA replication and the transcription of the genetic code into messenger RNA. Additionally, the helical nature of DNA helps to protect the genetic material from chemical and physical damage, as well as compacting it into the cell nucleus efficiently.
In summary, helical DNA refers to the well-recognized spiral structure of the DNA molecule that plays a pivotal role in heredity and molecular genetics.
Common Misspellings for HELICAL DNA
- gelical dna
- belical dna
- nelical dna
- jelical dna
- uelical dna
- yelical dna
- hwlical dna
- hslical dna
- hdlical dna
- hrlical dna
- h4lical dna
- h3lical dna
- hekical dna
- hepical dna
- heoical dna
- helucal dna
- heljcal dna
- helkcal dna
- helocal dna
- hel9cal dna
Etymology of HELICAL DNA
The word "helical DNA" has its etymology rooted in two different aspects: the structure of DNA and the term "helical".
The structure of DNA, first described by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, refers to a double-stranded, twisted, ladder-like molecular structure. The twisted nature of DNA resembles a helix.
The term "helical" comes from the word "helix", which is derived from Greek. The word "helix" originally meant a "spiral" or a "twisted structure". In biology, it is used to describe any structure that has a spiral or coiled shape. In the case of DNA, its double helix structure becomes known as "helical DNA" because of its twisted spiral shape.
