The shape of DNA is often described as a double helix. This structure resembles a twisted ladder, with two long strands of nucleotides running alongside each other. The sides of the ladder are made up of alternating sugar and phosphate groups, while the rungs consist of pairs of nitrogenous bases that are connected by hydrogen bonds.
To further explain, each DNA strand is made of four types of bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). In the double helix, adenine always pairs with thymine, and cytosine always pairs with guanine, creating the base pairs that hold the two strands together. This specific pairing is crucial for the accurate replication of DNA and the transmission of genetic information.
In summary, the iconic double helix shape of DNA is vital for its function in living organisms, enabling it to store and transfer genetic information effectively.