Question

What are the characteristics of a DNA molecule?

1) It has two strands and a special shape
2) It has three strands and a circular shape
3) It has one strand and a linear shape
4) It has four strands and a helical shape

Answer 1

A DNA molecule has two strands that are twisted around each other in a helix shape. The strands are anti-parallel and have a backbone of deoxyribose and phosphate. The strands are connected by hydrogen bonds between specific nitrogenous bases.

Step-by-step explanation:

A DNA molecule is made up of two strands that are twisted around each other to form a helix. The two strands are anti-parallel, meaning that the 3' end of one strand faces the 5' end of the other strand. Each strand has a backbone of alternating deoxyribose and phosphate groups, resembling the rails of a staircase. The strands are connected by hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases adenine and thymine, and cytosine and guanine.