2006-10-30 12:35:06 · 4 answers · asked by love88 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Because the two backbone chains consist of subunits which join across like the rungs of a ladder. The backbone chains separate (effectively cutting the rungs in half) during replication.
2006-10-30 12:38:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saying "double helix" doesn't exactly get an accurate mental image of the structure.
The ladder model gives an OK basic idea of what the structure looks like.
2006-10-30 20:45:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the nitrogen bases and phosphate group makes it seem like a spiraling ladder.
2006-10-30 20:43:35 · answer #3 · answered by fuzzycherrycream 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the have two legs (phosphate) and steplike proteins in the middle
2006-10-30 20:36:50 · answer #4 · answered by cutie1017 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋