DNA model described by Watson and crick was?
**Core Concept**
The Watson-Crick DNA model describes the double helix structure of DNA, which is crucial for understanding DNA replication, repair, and transcription. The model consists of two complementary strands of nucleotides, held together by hydrogen bonds between the bases.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Watson-Crick model proposes that DNA is a double-stranded helix, with sugar and phosphate molecules forming the backbone, and nitrogenous bases projecting inward from the backbone and pairing with each other in a complementary manner. The bases are adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T), with A pairing with T and G pairing with C through hydrogen bonds. This specific base pairing is essential for the stability of the double helix structure.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The Chargaff's rule states that in DNA, the amount of adenine is equal to the amount of thymine, and the amount of guanine is equal to the amount of cytosine. However, this is not a description of the Watson-Crick DNA model.
**Option B:** The B-DNA structure is a variant of the double helix structure, but it is not the specific model described by Watson and Crick.
**Option C:** The Z-DNA structure is a left-handed double helix, which is not the standard Watson-Crick model.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The Watson-Crick model's base pairing rules (A-T and G-C) are essential for understanding DNA replication, repair, and transcription. This knowledge is crucial for medical students to appreciate the fundamental principles of genetics and molecular biology.
**Correct Answer: D. Double helix structure**