5 Questions
What refers to the amount of twist in a particular DNA strand?
DNA supercoiling
What shape is formed when a DNA segment under twist strain is closed into a circle and allowed to move freely?
Figure-eight
Which enzyme changes the amount of DNA supercoiling to facilitate functions such as DNA replication and transcription?
Topoisomerase
What is the shape referred to as when describing DNA topology?
Supercoil
When does DNA become temporarily positively supercoiled?
During replication or transcription
Study Notes
DNA Structure and Topology
- The amount of twist in a particular DNA strand is referred to as DNA supercoiling.
- When a DNA segment under twist strain is closed into a circle and allowed to move freely, it forms a plectoneme shape.
- The enzyme that changes the amount of DNA supercoiling to facilitate functions such as DNA replication and transcription is topoisomerase.
- The shape referred to when describing DNA topology is torsion.
- DNA becomes temporarily positively supercoiled during DNA replication.
Test your knowledge of DNA supercoiling with this quiz! Explore the concepts of positive and negative supercoiling and how they impact biological processes. Learn about the role of supercoiling in compacting DNA and regulating access to the genetic code.
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