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Chapter 6. DNA Structure. 11 September, 2006. Overview. The classical DNA structure is an antiparallel duplex of polynucleotides . The two strands of DNA have complementary sequence because of base pairing interactions.
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Chapter 6 DNA Structure 11 September, 2006
Overview • The classical DNA structure is an antiparallel duplex of polynucleotides . • The two strands of DNA have complementary sequence because of base pairing interactions. • The major groove of a DNA duplex is carries accessible information about the sequence. • DNA can exist in alternative structures. • DNA molecules can melt and anneal. • The linking number, composed of twist and writhe is a property of covalently closed circles. • DNA in cells is negatively supercoiled. • Topoisomerases cleave and rejoin strands to change the supercoiling state of DNA. • RNA is usually single stranded, and form complex seconbdary and tertiary structures, including some that have enzymatic activity.
DNA in most cells is negatively supercoiled. Nicked DNA spontaneously relaxes.