The Double Helix
The double helix is the shape of DNA, which is the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms. It looks like a twisted ladder, with two long strands running parallel and connected by pairs of chemical bases. These bases, represented by the letters A, T, C, and G, form specific pairs (A with T, and C with G), holding the strands together. This structure allows DNA to store vast amounts of information, enabling the development, function, and reproduction of cells. The double helix was famously discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, revolutionizing biology and genetics.
Additional Insights
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The double helix is the structure of DNA, which carries genetic information in living organisms. It looks like a twisted ladder, where the sides are made of sugar and phosphate molecules, and the rungs are pairs of nitrogenous bases (adenine with thymine, and cytosine with guanine). This unique shape allows DNA to store and replicate genetic information accurately. The double helix was discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, leading to significant advancements in genetics, biology, and medicine. Understanding this structure has been crucial for research in heredity, evolution, and disease.