Multiple Choice
In an agarose gel electrophoresis experiment, what can a geneticist conclude about the bands of DNA closest to the wells?
34. Nucleic Acids
DNA Double Helix
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In the structure of the DNA double helix, what does the term 'double' refer to?
A
The presence of two strands of nucleotides
B
The double bond between adenine and thymine
C
The double replication process during cell division
D
The double helical shape of the sugar-phosphate backbone
Verified step by step guidance1
Begin by understanding the structure of DNA. DNA is composed of two long strands of nucleotides that wind around each other to form a double helix.
The term 'double' in the context of DNA refers to the two strands that make up the DNA molecule. These strands are complementary and run in opposite directions, known as antiparallel orientation.
Each strand of DNA is made up of a sugar-phosphate backbone with nitrogenous bases attached. The bases pair specifically: adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine.
The double helical shape is a result of the specific pairing and twisting of these two strands, forming a stable structure that is crucial for the storage and transmission of genetic information.
The double helix is not related to the double bond between adenine and thymine or the replication process during cell division. It specifically refers to the two intertwined strands forming the helical structure.
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