DNA Calculator

Calculate DNA metrics including nucleotide content, molecular weight, and concentration. Useful for genetic research, PCR preparation, and sequencing work.

DNA Sequence (A, T, G, C only)

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

Base Pairs: A=T, G≡C
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

Learn More

DNA Structure GC Content Double Helix Structure

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