Z DNA Meaning and
Definition
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Z DNA is a distinctive form of the DNA double helix, featuring a left-handed spiral instead of the more common right-handed spiral found in B DNA. It is characterized by a zigzag pattern resulting from the alternating purine and pyrimidine bases. Specifically, Z DNA is formed when a DNA molecule displays a high content of certain nucleotide sequences known as CpG dinucleotides.
The key feature of Z DNA is its unique geometry. Unlike B DNA, Z DNA adopts a left-handed helical structure with a major groove that is shallow and wide, and a minor groove that is narrow and deep. This distinctive structure is primarily driven by the alternating guanine and cytosine base pairs, which facilitate the formation of a left-handed helix.
Z DNA has been found to be highly dynamic and is believed to play a role in several biological processes. It has been implicated in gene expression regulation and DNA replication. Additionally, Z DNA is associated with chromatin remodeling and alteration of DNA structure, which can affect gene transcription rates. It has also been suggested that Z DNA may be involved in DNA repair processes.
While Z DNA is less commonly observed in living cells compared to its right-handed counterpart, it represents an important and intriguing aspect of DNA structure and function. Further research is necessary to fully understand its biological significance and potential applications in various fields.
Common Misspellings for Z DNA
- z sna
- z xna
- z cna
- z fna
- z rna
- z dba
- z dma
- z dja
- z dha
- z dnz
- z dns
- z dnw
- z dnq
- xz dna
- zx dna
- sz dna
- zs dna
- z sdna
- z dsna
- z xdna
- z dxna
- z cdna
- z dcna
- z fdna
- z dfna
- z rdna
- z drna
- z edna
- z dena
- z dbna
- z dnba
- z dmna
- z dnma
- z djna
- z dnja
- z dhna
- z dnha
- z dnza
- z dnaz
- z dnsa
- z dnas
- z dnwa
- z dnaw
- z dnqa
- z dnaq
- z na
- z da
- z dn
- zd na
- z nda
- z dan
- zz dna
- z ddna
- z dnna
- z dnaa
- Z0DNA
- Z tNA
- Z lNA
- Z DfA
- Z DlA
- Z DoA
- Z DNi
- Z DNe
- Z DNc
- z d na
- z dn a
Etymology of Z DNA
The term "Z DNA" was coined by J. P. Belotserkovskii, P. Liu, and A. N. C. Lau in 1989. The 'Z' in Z DNA stands for the zigzag shape that this form of DNA takes when it is stretched or under tension. It is an alternative conformation or structure of DNA, contrasting the more common B-DNA form. The term was chosen to reflect the distinctive shape and structural features of Z DNA.
