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AAT Bioquest

What is the structure of DNA?

Posted June 12, 2023


Answer

DNA has a double-helix structure that closely resembles a twisted ladder. 

A DNA molecule is made up of two DNA strands that are made of alternating phosphate and sugar (deoxyribose) molecules and held together by the hydrogen bond present between the two complementary bases. The two strands run in opposite directions and are helically twisted around the same axis, forming a right-handed double helix. A single turn is made up of 10.5 nucleotides and the distance between each turn is 3.6 nm.

Additional resources

The Structure and Function of DNA

DNA and RNA Quantitation

Helixyte™ Green Fluorimetric dsDNA Quantitation Kit *Optimized for Broad Dynamic Range*