DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, has a double helix structure, resembling a twisted ladder. This structure consists of two long strands of nucleotides that run in opposite directions, known as antiparal
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, has a double helix structure, resembling a twisted ladder. This structure consists of two long strands of nucleotides that run in opposite directions, known as antiparallel strands. Each nucleotide is made up of three components: a phosphate group, a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base.
There are four types of nitrogenous bases in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). The bases pair specificallyâ??adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanineâ??through hydrogen bonds, forming the "rungs" of the ladder. The sugar and phosphate groups form the "backbone" of the DNA strands.
The sequence of these nitrogenous bases encodes genetic information, determining the traits and functions of living organisms. The double helix structure allows DNA to be compact and stable, while also enabling it to replicate accurately during cell division. This unique configuration is crucial for the storage and transmission of genetic information across generations.
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