The B form of the DNA double helix contains a wider major groove and a narrower minor groove because the two polynucleotide strands are not positioned directly opposite one another in the helical cylinder.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statements in the question are correct. In the B form of DNA, the two polynucleotide strands are twisted around each other to form a helical cylinder. However, the backbone of each strand is not perfectly straight, resulting in a wider major groove and a narrower minor groove. This structural feature allows for specific protein-DNA interactions in processes such as transcription and replication.

The B Form of the DNA Double Helix Contains a Wider