Q.Describe Watson and Crick model of DNA.
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →The Watson-Crick model (1953) describes DNA as a right-handed double helix of two antiparallel, complementary polynucleotide strands held together by hydrogen bonds between specifically paired nitrogenous bases.
James Watson and Francis Crick proposed the double-helix model of DNA structure in 1953, based on X-ray diffraction data (notably from Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins). Its key features:
-
DNA consists of two polynucleotide chains (strands), coiled around a common central axis in a right-handed double helix.
-
The two strands are antiparallel — one strand runs in the 5' to 3' direction while the other runs 3' to 5'.
-
The sugar-phosphate backbone (deoxyribose sugars linked by phosphodiester bonds) lies on the outside of the helix, while the nitrogenous bases project inward, roughly perpendicular to the helix axis.
-
The two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between specifically paired bases: Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T) via two hydrogen bonds, and Guanine (G) always pairs with Cytosine (C) via three hydrogen bonds. This is called complementary base pairing, and it means the base sequence of one strand determines (is complementary to, not identical to) the sequence of the other.
-
The helix has a near-constant diameter of about 20 angstrom (because a purine always pairs with a pyrimidine). One complete turn of the helix spans about 34 angstrom and contains about 10 base pairs, giving a rise of 3.4 angstrom per base pair.
…
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.