DNA Calculator
About DNA Calculator
Understanding DNA Structure and Analysis
DNA structure was first elucidated by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, building on X-ray crystallography work by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. This discovery revolutionized molecular biology and laid the foundation for modern genetic analysis techniques. The double helix model they proposed explains how genetic information is stored and passed between generations, representing one of the most significant scientific discoveries of the 20th century.
Molecular Structure
Double Helix: 10.5 bp/turn
Length: 0.34 nm/bp
GC% = (G+C)/(A+T+G+C) × 100
Nucleotide Components
| Adenine (A) | 313.21 g/mol |
| Thymine (T) | 304.20 g/mol |
| Guanine (G) | 329.21 g/mol |
| Cytosine (C) | 289.18 g/mol |
Structural Features
- Major/minor grooves
- Base stacking interactions
- Sugar-phosphate backbone
- Antiparallel strands
Base Pairing Properties
DNA base pairing follows specific rules that maintain the stability and structure of the double helix. The complementary base pairs are held together by hydrogen bonds, with A-T pairs forming two hydrogen bonds and G-C pairs forming three hydrogen bonds.
Hydrogen Bonding
- A-T: 2 hydrogen bonds
- G-C: 3 hydrogen bonds
- Stronger GC stability
- Temperature effects
Physical Properties
- Melting temperature (Tm)
- Base stacking energy
- Helical structure
- Backbone flexibility
GC Content Significance
GC content is a critical parameter in DNA analysis, affecting everything from thermal stability to evolutionary studies. The higher number of hydrogen bonds in G-C pairs leads to increased stability and higher melting temperatures.
Thermal Properties
- Higher GC = higher Tm
- PCR optimization
- Denaturation conditions
- Habitat adaptation
Biological Impact
- Species variation
- Gene regulation
- Evolution markers
- Genome organization
Molecular Weight Analysis
Molecular weight calculations are essential for many laboratory applications, from primer design to oligonucleotide synthesis. Understanding the contribution of each component helps in accurate experimental planning.
Weight Factors
- Nucleotide masses
- Backbone contribution
- End modifications
- Salt effects
Applications
- Primer design
- Oligo synthesis
- Molecular cloning
- DNA sequencing
Laboratory Applications
DNA analysis techniques are fundamental to modern molecular biology and biotechnology. These methods enable researchers to study gene function, diagnose diseases, and develop new therapeutic approaches.
Analysis Methods
- UV spectroscopy
- Thermal denaturation
- Gel electrophoresis
- Mass spectrometry
Applications
- Gene synthesis
- Diagnostic tools
- DNA nanotechnology
- Synthetic biology
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