Double Helix

Double Helix is a term used to describe the structure of DNA, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms. The double helix structure was first discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953.

Structure

The double helix structure of DNA is made up of two strands that twist around each other like a twisted ladder. Each strand is made up of a sugar-phosphate backbone and attached to this backbone are nucleotide bases. There are four types of nucleotide bases in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). Adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine always pairs with cytosine. These base pairs are held together by hydrogen bonds.

Function

The double helix structure of DNA allows it to carry genetic information from one generation to the next. When a cell divides, the two strands of the DNA molecule separate and each serves as a template for the synthesis of a new strand. This process is known as DNA replication.

Discovery

The double helix structure of DNA was discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. They used data from Rosalind Franklin's X-ray diffraction images of DNA fibers to build a model of the DNA molecule. Their discovery was a major breakthrough in the field of molecular biology.

Significance

The discovery of the double helix structure of DNA has had a profound impact on the field of biology. It has led to advances in our understanding of genetics, disease, and the process of evolution. It has also paved the way for the development of technologies such as genetic engineering and DNA sequencing.

See also

• Nucleic acid double helix
• DNA replication
• Molecular biology
• Genetic engineering
• DNA sequencing

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