Geometry of DNA

The structure on DNA discovered by Watson and Crick is a result of the bonding of the the nucleic acid basepairs.   There is a beautiful geometry to this pairing. The weak bonds between the bases are called hydrogen bonds.

The basepairs are strung together by the sugar/phosphate backbone.

The structure fits together to form a helix with a special geometry.

 

DNA1.jpg (29589 bytes)

DNA2.jpg (32601 bytes)

 

Their are two types of nucleotides.  Each pairs with one of the other type:  A with T and G with C.