double helix

double helix Word Origin noun Biochemistry, Genetics.

1. the spiral arrangement of the two complementary strands of DNA.

Origin of double helix First recorded in 1953; term introduced by J.D. Watson and F.H.C. Crick British Dictionary definitions for double helix double helix noun

1. biochem the form of the molecular structure of DNA, consisting of two helical polynucleotide chains linked by hydrogen bonds and coiled around the same axis

double helix in Medicine double helix n.

1. The coiled structure of a double-stranded DNA molecule in which strands linked by hydrogen bonds form a spiral configuration.DNA helix Watson-Crick helix

double helix in Science double helix

1. The three-dimensional structure of double-stranded DNA, in which polymeric nucleotide strands whose complementary nitrogen bases are linked by hydrogen bonds form a helical configuration. The two DNA strands are oriented in opposite directions.

double helix in Culture double helix [(hee-liks)]

The shape taken by the DNA molecule. A helix is a three-dimensional spiral, like the shape of a spring or the railing on a spiral staircase. A DNA molecule consists of two helixes intertwined.