Anyone know the difference between negative and positive supercoiling in DNA? Just looking for a simple answer

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Anyone know the difference between negative and positive supercoiling in DNA? Just looking for a simple answer

2007-01-11 09:34:18 · 2 answers · asked by v__dawg 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology

2 answers

DNA normally makes one clockwise turn every 34Å. If the two ends are joined to make a circular DNA molecule, then this molecule is said to be relaxed. If you make additional clockwise twists before joining the two ends then you have positive supercoiling: if you make anti-clockwise turns the molecule shows negative supercoiling.

2007-01-12 01:25:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋

Purely directional. I think neg. supercoiling is to the left (like our DNA) and pos. is to the right

2007-01-11 17:37:37 · answer #2 · answered by abby j 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋