Helical Structure of B-form DNA

The B-form of DNA is the most common and well-studied form of DNA. It is a right-handed helix with a repeating unit called a base pair. The helical structure of B-form DNA repeats every 34 Angstroms along its length.

Adjacent Bases Separation

The separation between adjacent bases in the helix can be calculated by dividing the helical structure repeat distance (34 Angstroms) by the number of base pairs in one helical turn.

Calculating Adjacent Bases Separation

To calculate the adjacent bases separation, we need to know the number of base pairs in one helical turn. In B-form DNA, there are 10 base pairs in one helical turn.

Using the formula:

Adjacent Bases Separation = Helical Structure Repeat Distance / Number of Base Pairs in One Helical Turn

Plugging in the values, we get:

Adjacent Bases Separation = 34 Angstroms / 10 base pairs

Adjacent Bases Separation ≈ 3.4 Angstroms

Correct Answer

The correct answer for the separation between adjacent bases in the helix is between 3.2 and 3.5 Angstroms. This range is obtained by considering the approximate value of 3.4 Angstroms and accounting for experimental variations and structural flexibility of DNA.

Summary

- The B-form of DNA has a helical structure that repeats every 34 Angstroms.
- The separation between adjacent bases in the helix can be calculated by dividing the helical structure repeat distance by the number of base pairs in one helical turn.
- For B-form DNA, which has 10 base pairs in one helical turn, the adjacent bases separation is approximately 3.4 Angstroms.
- The correct answer for the adjacent bases separation in B-form DNA is between 3.2 and 3.5 Angstroms, considering experimental variations and structural flexibility.