SUPERCOILED DNA Meaning and
Definition
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Supercoiled DNA refers to a highly compact, twisted state of the DNA molecule that occurs in living organisms. It is a structural configuration that allows for efficient packaging of genetic material within the relatively limited space of the cell. Supercoiled DNA is characterized by the twisting of the double helix on itself, resulting in a coiled and compacted structure.
The structure of DNA is naturally helical, with two strands twisted around each other like a spiral staircase. However, due to various enzymatic activities and physical constraints, DNA can become overwound (positive supercoiling) or underwound (negative supercoiling). Positive supercoiling involves the excessive twisting of the DNA helix in the same direction as the double helix, while negative supercoiling involves a twisting in the opposite direction.
Supercoiling is vital for various biological processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and recombination. It facilitates the efficient packaging of DNA into chromosomes, allowing for the condensation of long DNA molecules into a compact and manageable form. Additionally, supercoiling plays a role in regulating gene expression by impacting the accessibility of DNA regions to cellular machinery.
Overall, supercoiled DNA represents a key structural feature of the genome and is essential for various cellular processes in maintaining the integrity and functionality of genetic material.
Common Misspellings for SUPERCOILED DNA
- aupercoiled dna
- zupercoiled dna
- xupercoiled dna
- dupercoiled dna
- eupercoiled dna
- wupercoiled dna
- sypercoiled dna
- shpercoiled dna
- sjpercoiled dna
- sipercoiled dna
- s8percoiled dna
- s7percoiled dna
- suoercoiled dna
- sulercoiled dna
- su-ercoiled dna
- su0ercoiled dna
- supwrcoiled dna
- supsrcoiled dna
- supdrcoiled dna
- suprrcoiled dna
Etymology of SUPERCOILED DNA
The term "supercoiled DNA" can be broken down into two parts: "supercoiled" and "DNA".
1. "Supercoiled" refers to the complex shape or structure of the DNA molecule. The prefix "super-" in this context means "beyond" or "exceedingly", indicating that the coiling of the DNA goes beyond what is considered normal or relaxed. The word "coiled" derives from the verb "coil", which means to wind or twist into loops or spirals.
2. "DNA" stands for "deoxyribonucleic acid". The term itself comes from its chemical composition. "Deoxyribo-" refers to the sugar molecule found in DNA, which is called deoxyribose. "Nucleic acid" refers to the class of biological molecules to which DNA belongs.
