Dna And The Double Helix Design

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Running head: DNA AND THE DOUBLE HELIX DESIGN DNA And The Double Helix Design J. Schultz University of Phoenix DNA And The Double Helix Design DNA, the commonly used acronym for deoxyribonucleic acid, is the carrier of the genetic code for most living organisms. DNA contains the genetic codes that determine eye color, hair color, and sometimes diseases. Each trait that passes from parent to offspring is the result of information carried by DNA. Possible Reasons For The Double Helix Shape DNA has a double helix shape that is functional and useful in several ways. According to The National Center For Biotechnology Information (2004): The chemical nature of the bases in double-stranded DNA creates a slight twisting force that gives DNA its characteristic gently coiled structure, known as the double helix. The two strands are connected to each other by chemical pairing of each base on one strand to a specific partner on the other strand. Adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C). Thus, A-T and G-C base pairs are said to be complementary. This complementary base pairing is what makes DNA a suitable molecule for carrying our genetic information—one strand of DNA can act as a template to direct the synthesis of a complementary strand. In this way, the information in a DNA sequence is readily copied and passed on to the next generation of cells. Because of the strict order of the chemical pairing, the double helix design facilitates the correct bonding of the appropriate chemical bases. However, some scientists suggest that the double helix design may also help to increase the physical strength of the gene. Gene construction is anti-parallel, meaning the strands run in opposite directions. Because of hydrogen bonding between the base pairs, an unequal number of hydrogen molecules exist on each side.
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