Question

Which of the following is true of negatively supercoiled dna?

A. it is never found in nature.
B. it is less compact and less stable.
C. it is wound around itself in the same direction as the helix.
E. it is underwound.

Answer 1

Negatively supercoiled DNA is more compact and underwound, which is a common state in nature that allows for efficient DNA packing and function within cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is E. it is underwound. Negatively supercoiled DNA is more compact than relaxed DNA and is commonly found in nature. Supercoiling is a process that allows DNA to be compacted so that it can fit inside cells. Negatively supercoiled DNA means that the molecule is underwound, which involves less than one turn of the helix per 10 base pairs. This state allows easier access for certain proteins and is important for processes like replication and transcription.

Some proteins and enzymes, such as DNA gyrase, are involved in maintaining the negatively supercoiled structure. Proteins like topoisomerases and enzymes like DNA gyrase participate in maintaining this supercoiled structure. Overall, negatively supercoiled DNA is crucial for the efficient organization and function of the genetic material within cells.