Practicing Success
Read the following statements and find out the incorrect statement about DNA structure . |
The backbone is formed by the sugar phosphate-sugar chain. There are two hydrogen bonds between A and T and three hydrogen bonds between G and C. The two strands of polynucleotides are antiparallel i.e., run in the opposite direction . None of the above . |
None of the above . |
The correct answer is Option (4) – None of the above. Nucleic acids exhibit a wide variety of secondary structures. For example, one of the secondary structures exhibited by DNA is the famous Watson-Crick model. This model says that DNA exists as a double helix. The two strands of polynucleotides are antiparallel i.e., run in the opposite direction. The backbone is formed by the sugar phosphate-sugar chain. The nitrogen bases are projected more or less perpendicular to this backbone but face inside. A and G of one strand compulsorily base pairs with T and C, respectively, on the other strand. There are two hydrogen bonds between A and T and three hydrogen bonds between G and C. Each strand appears like a helical staircase. Each step of ascent is represented by a pair of bases. At each step of ascent, the strand turns 36°. One full turn of the helical strand would involve ten steps or ten base pairs. Attempt drawing a line diagram. The pitch would be 34Å. The rise per base pair would be 3.4Å. This form of DNA with the above mentioned salient features is called B DNA. |