DNAkaksoisheliksissä

DNAkaksoisheliksissä is the Finnish term for the DNA double helix. It refers to the characteristic helical structure of a DNA molecule. The double helix consists of two long strands of nucleotides that are wound around each other in a spiral shape. Each nucleotide is composed of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), or thymine (T).

The two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases. Adenine always pairs with thymine (A-T) via two hydrogen bonds, and guanine always pairs with cytosine (G-C) via three hydrogen bonds. This specific base pairing is crucial for DNA replication and genetic information transfer. The sequence of these bases along a DNA strand encodes the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses.

The structure of the DNA double helix was famously elucidated by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, building upon the work of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. This discovery revolutionized our understanding of genetics and molecular biology, paving the way for advancements in fields such as genetic engineering, biotechnology, and personalized medicine. The double helix structure is remarkably stable yet allows for the separation of strands during replication and transcription, making it an ideal molecule for storing and transmitting genetic information.