Double Helix
Double Helix
The Double Helix (pronunciation: /ˈdʌb(ə)l ˈhiːlɪks/) is a term used in Biology and Genetics to describe the structure of DNA, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms and many viruses.
Etymology
The term "Double Helix" comes from the Greek words "diploos" meaning double and "helix" meaning spiral. It was first used in this context by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 to describe the structure of the DNA molecule.
Structure
The Double Helix structure of DNA consists of two strands that wind around each other like a twisted ladder. Each strand is made up of a sugar-phosphate backbone and bases that pair with the bases of the other strand. The pairing of the bases (Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine) is what holds the two strands together.
Related Terms
- Nucleotide: The basic building block of DNA and RNA.
- Base Pair: A pair of complementary bases in a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule.
- Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
- Chromosome: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Double Helix
- Wikipedia's article - Double Helix
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