Linus Pauling proposed at one time that the DNA molecule was,in fact,a triple helix.If so,how would this situation affect cellular division?
A)The triple-helix DNA could be replicated and passed on to daughter cells as it normally would.
B)The triple-helix DNA could be replicated normally in mitosis but not meiosis.
C)Sperm and eggs produced by triple-helix DNA would be more fertile.
D)The fact that the DNA had three nucleotide strands would make it difficult to replicate the DNA and reassemble the copies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the DNA had three nucleotide strands would make it difficult to replicate the DNA and reassemble the copies. The machinery for DNA replication and cellular division is designed to handle a double-stranded DNA molecule, and a triple-stranded DNA molecule would be difficult to replicate without errors. This would likely result in cell death or mutations, and the organism would not be able to divide properly. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer.

Linus Pauling Proposed at One Time That the DNA Molecule