A-DNA

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A-DNA

A-DNA (/eɪ diːɛnˈeɪ/) is one of the many possible double helix structures of DNA. It is a right-handed double helix fairly similar to the more common and well-known B-DNA form, but with a shorter, more compact helical structure. Its name comes from the group of scientists who discovered it, while studying the structure of deoxyribonucleic acids.

Etymology

The term "A-DNA" was first used in the early 1950s, following the discovery of the DNA double helix structure. The "A" in A-DNA is derived from the group of scientists who first discovered this form of DNA, led by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins.

Structure

A-DNA is a right-handed double helix with a compact, tightly wound structure. It is shorter and wider than the more common B-DNA, with a helical pitch of 2.3 nanometers and 11 base pairs per turn. The major groove of A-DNA is shallow and wide, while the minor groove is deep and narrow.

Occurrence

A-DNA is not typically found in physiological conditions, but can occur in dehydrated samples of DNA, in hybrid pairings of DNA and RNA strands, and under certain ionic conditions.

Related Terms

  • B-DNA: The most common form of DNA in cells, which is a right-handed helix with a longer, less compact structure than A-DNA.
  • Z-DNA: A left-handed DNA helix, where the double helix winds to the left in a zig-zag pattern.
  • DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions in all living organisms.
  • Double helix: The structure formed by double-stranded molecules of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA.

External links

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