How many base pairs are there in every helical turn of Watson-Crick do...
Watson-Crick double helix model consists of 10.4 base pairs per helical turn. Since one helical turn formed by 360° and there would be 34.3° twist angle per residue among adjacent base pair.
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How many base pairs are there in every helical turn of Watson-Crick do...
Understanding the Watson-Crick Double Helix
The Watson-Crick model of DNA describes its structure as a double helix, where two strands twist around each other. An important aspect of this structure is the number of base pairs that occur in one complete turn of the helix.
Base Pairs Per Turn
- The correct answer to how many base pairs are present in every helical turn is 10.4.
- This value represents the average number of base pairs that participate in a single complete turn of the helical structure of DNA.
Significance of 10.4 Base Pairs
- The number 10.4 is derived from the helical structure of B-DNA, which is the most common form of DNA found in living organisms.
- Each helical turn spans approximately 34 angstroms (3.4 nanometers) in length, making the compact structure of DNA efficient for storage and replication.
Implications of Base Pair Count
- Understanding the number of base pairs per turn is crucial for various biological processes, including DNA replication and transcription.
- The uniformity of base pairs per turn aids in the stability and predictability of DNA interactions with proteins and enzymes.
Conclusion
- The average of 10.4 base pairs in each helical turn showcases the intricate design of DNA, allowing it to fulfill its roles in genetics and cellular function efficiently. This knowledge is foundational in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry studies.