What is the shape of DNA?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Prepare for the PLTW Biomedical Science Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the shape of DNA?

Explanation:
DNA is shaped as a double helix—the two long strands twist around each other like a twisted ladder. The sugar-phosphate backbone forms the outside, while the bases pair on the inside (adenine with thymine, guanine with cytosine) held together by hydrogen bonds. The strands run in opposite directions (antiparallel), giving the familiar right-handed twist and a uniform width that fits together smoothly. This arrangement lets genetic information be copied accurately during replication and read by cellular machinery. While DNA can be circular in some organisms or plasmids, or exist as linear chromosomes in others, the classic and most recognizable form is the double helix.

DNA is shaped as a double helix—the two long strands twist around each other like a twisted ladder. The sugar-phosphate backbone forms the outside, while the bases pair on the inside (adenine with thymine, guanine with cytosine) held together by hydrogen bonds. The strands run in opposite directions (antiparallel), giving the familiar right-handed twist and a uniform width that fits together smoothly. This arrangement lets genetic information be copied accurately during replication and read by cellular machinery. While DNA can be circular in some organisms or plasmids, or exist as linear chromosomes in others, the classic and most recognizable form is the double helix.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy