Question

Nucleic acids exhibit secondary structure. Describe through Wetson- Crick Model.

Answer 1

Nucleic acids exhibit a wide variety of secondary structures. For example, one of the secondary structures exhibited by DNA is the famous Watson- Crick model. This model says that DNA exists as a double helix. The two strands of polynucleotides are antiparallel, i.e. run in the opposite direction. The backbone is formed by the sugar-phosphate-sugar chain. The nitrogen bases are projected more or less perpendicular to this backbone but face inside. A and G of one strand compulsorily base pairs with T and C, respectively, on the other strand. There are two hydrogen bonds between A and T and three hydrogen bonds between G and C. Each strand appears like a helical staircase. Each step of the ascent is represented by a pair of bases. At each step of ascent, the strand turns 36°. One full turn of the helical strand would involve ten steps or ten base pairs. Attempt drawing a line diagram. The pitch would be 34 A. The rise per base pair would be 3.4 A. This form of DNA with the above-mentioned salient features is called B-DNA.

                            Diagram indicating the secondary structure of DNA