Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a long, uncoiled polymer that contains the genetic information for an organism. This information is encoded in the sequence of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA. The nucleotides are arranged in two strands that wind around each other to form a double helix. The structure of the double helix is held together by hydrogen bonds between the bases, which are the parts of the nucleotides that are complementary to each other.
The DNA molecule is very long, and it would be impossible for it to fit inside a cell if it were not coiled up. The tightly coiled form of DNA is called chromatin. When a cell is preparing to divide, the chromatin becomes even more condensed and is called chromosomes.
DNA is not the only type of nucleic acid. There is also RNA, which plays important roles in cells, such as serving as the template for protein synthesis.
What are the functions of uncoiled stringy DNA?
The primary function of uncoiled stringy DNA is to store the genetic information of a cell. This DNA is responsible for transmitting this information to new cells, which then use this information to produce proteins. DNA also plays a role in regulating the cell cycle and ensuring genetic stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a coiled strand of DNA called?
A coiled strand of DNA is called a chromatin. Chromatin is further condensed, through a process called supercoiling, into small chromosomes or DNA packages.
What is the structure of DNA called?
The double helix is the structure of DNA called.
What does DNA look like?
The two strands of DNA form a 3-D structure called a double helix. When illustrated, it looks a little like a ladder that’s been twisted into a spiral in which the base pairs are the rungs and the sugar phosphate backbones are the legs.
How does DNA show structural diversity?
DNA shows structural diversity by changing its structural configuration, based on various factors like:
What is a coiled piece of DNA called?
A plasmid, found in prokaryotic cells.
