Home > Terms > English, UK (UE) > Double helix

Double helix

1) The twisted-ladder shape that two linear strands of DNA assume when complementary nucleotides on opposing strands bond together.

2) The description of the structure of a DNA molecule. A DNA molecule consists of two strands that wind around each other like a twisted ladder. Each strand has a backbone made of alternating groups of sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups. Attached to each sugar is one of four bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or thymine (T). The two strands are held together by bonds between the bases, adenine forming a base pair with thymine, and cytosine forming a base pair with guanine.

This is auto-generated content. You can help to improve it.
0
Improve it
More
Collect to Blossary

Other Languages:

More

Member comments

You have to log in to post to discussions.

Related terms

double helix
Natural environment; Coral reefs

The normal structural configuration of DNA consisting of two helices winding about the same axis. The structure of DNA was first proposed by Watson and Crick (1953) with two ...

double helix
Biotechnology; Genetic engineering

Describes the coiling of the antiparallel strands of the DNA molecule, resembling a spiral staircase in which the paired bases form the steps and the sugar-phosphate backbones ...

double helix
Biology; Genetics

The shape of a DNA molecule. A double helix resembles a ladder that has been twisted into a spiral.

double helix
Legal services; DNA forensics

The shape the DNA assumes after it replicates during cell life.

double helix
Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The twisted ladder shape that is characteristic of DNA molecules.

double helix
Medical; Human genome

1) The twisted-ladder shape that two linear strands of DNA assume when complementary nucleotides on opposing strands bond together. 2) The description of the structure of a DNA ...

eugenics
Biology; Human genome

Eugenics is a bio-social movement which advocates the practice that very talented people should spread their genes by having more children, and less talented people should be ...

celiac disease
Medical; Human genome

A digestive disease that is caused by an immune response to a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Celiac disease damages the lining of the ...

atherosclerosis
Medical; Human genome

1) Age, lifestyle, diet, and gene related degeneration of arteries due to deposition of lipoid plaques (atheromas) on inner arterial walls; main cause of coronary artery disease, ...

astigmatism
Medical; Human genome

1) Unequal curvature of the refractive surfaces of the eye. Thus a point source of light cannot be brought to a point focus on the retina but is spread over a more or less ...

bone marrow transplantation
Medical; Human genome

The transference of bone marrow from one human or animal to another.

cavernous
Medical; Human genome

1) Having caverns or cavities. 2) Of tissue: composed largely of vascular sinuses and capable of dilating with blood to bring about the erection of a body part.

Terms in the News

Featured Terms

Harry8L
  • 0

    Terms

  • 0

    Blossaries

  • 1

    Followers

Industry/Domain: Earth science Category: Geology

Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is a large underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 60 miles (100 ...

Contributor

Featured blossaries

Sangga

Category: Other   2 1 Terms

Hot Drinks

Category: Food   1 5 Terms

Browers Terms By Category

TERMS

SOCIAL

EXTRAS

SOLUTIONS