I want to know why DNA is shaped the way that it is.
2006-09-30 10:37:49 · 9 answers · asked by Jelly Pudding 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Because it is thermodynamically stable as a double helical ladder. You can change the shape by adding energy (heating) and you will separate the two sides of the ladder making single stranded DNA. As you slowly cool it back down, though, it will reform the double stranded structure.
I'm not sure if you are asking this question or one more about the origins of the structure.
2006-09-30 20:43:24 · answer #1 · answered by Dastardly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As you know DNa is made by different chemicals and part.They are Suger(Deoxy ribose), phosphate and 4 types of nuclic acids.To perform the general function properly,these all have their own way of working, relation with othes,Twisted DNA like shape is the best shap that a DNA can function properly.So that..
2006-10-01 00:33:14 · answer #2 · answered by wel_come1986 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The information is encoded on one strand and the other strand acts as a mirror image backup, and when they are paired up, they are more stable.
As for the shape, when the two strands are together, they take that shape since it is "thermodynamically favorable". Think about those funny backward twists in the phone cord. They stay there until you take them out. I can't get much farther into "why" without diagrams and models.
2006-09-30 10:56:35 · answer #3 · answered by novangelis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They look like that because it is more stable in that condition.Its stable because it os a complex shape.Complex shape means that its hard to change or manipulate the DNA.If the DNA is just a simple shape,humans can change the DNA and make a new species.
2006-09-30 10:49:18 · answer #4 · answered by Cadpigfriend 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has to do with the actual shape of the molecules and how they fit together. It happens to make a twisted double helix
2006-09-30 10:46:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If God wanted us to know the answer to this type of question, we would have come with directions for assembly.
2006-09-30 10:42:49 · answer #6 · answered by jess g 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
because of the phosphate backbone
2006-09-30 10:45:36 · answer #7 · answered by ChemGeek 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it helps to dupicate itself.
2006-09-30 11:42:14 · answer #8 · answered by moosa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
chill out, it is, so live with it.
2006-09-30 10:40:50 · answer #9 · answered by johnboy 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋