Question

What is the diameter of DNA?
1) 10
2) 20
3) 30
4) 40

Answer 1

The diameter of DNA is approximately 20. This value reflects the structural characteristics observed in the double helix, supported by various experimental techniques such as X-ray crystallography. The diameter of DNA is 20. So the correct option is 2) 20

Step-by-step explanation:

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms. The diameter of DNA is approximately 20.

DNA's structure consists of two long strands that form a double helix. The helix structure has a consistent diameter due to the complementary pairing of nucleotide bases. Each base pair contributes a specific distance to the overall diameter of the DNA molecule. The distance between the two strands across the helix corresponds to the diameter of DNA.

The diameter of DNA has been extensively studied and measured using various scientific techniques, including X-ray crystallography. These experiments consistently converge on a value around 20. This measurement reflects the average distance across the DNA double helix and is crucial for understanding the molecular dynamics and interactions within the genetic material.

In conclusion, the diameter of DNA is 20. This value is derived from the consistent and well-established structural characteristics of DNA, which have been elucidated through decades of scientific research and experimentation. Understanding the dimensions of DNA is fundamental to unraveling its intricate role in the fundamental processes of life. So the correct option is 2) 20

Answer 2

The diameter of DNA is 2 nm, as determined from the classic double helix model established by Watson and Crick. Nucleotide base pairing ensures a uniform diameter throughout the DNA structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The diameter of DNA is a crucial parameter in understanding its structure. After analyzing the models built by Watson and Crick, scientists concluded that the diameter of the DNA double helix is 2 nm (nanometers). This measurement is consistent because the two strands of DNA are held together by hydrogen bonds between the pairs of nucleotide bases: adenine (A) with thymine (T) and cytosine (C) with guanine (G). The precise pairing between a purine (A or G) and a pyrimidine (T or C) ensures that the double helix has a uniform diameter throughout its length. The structure of DNA shows that every base pair is stacked 0.34 nm apart, with about ten base pairs per turn of the helix, measuring 3.4 nm per turn. These measurements illustrate how the spatial arrangement of DNA is meticulously organized to fit into cells and carry out its biological functions.