Types of DNA: Structure, Properties, Types and Functions

DNA is the genetic material found in most of the living organisms. It carries the genetic information and is responsible for vital processes in living organisms. The double helix structure was proposed by Watson and Crick.The discovery that DNA is the molecular basis of inheritance laid the foundation for understanding how genetic information is passed from one generation to the next.

This Story also Contains

1. What is DNA?
2. DNA Structure
3. Types of DNA
4. Types of DNA Sequences
5. Applications of Different DNA Types
6. Recommended Video on Types of DNA
7. MCQs on Types of DNA

The Hershey and Chase experiment confirmed DNA as the genetic material. The experiment was conducted in 1952, using bacteriophages to demonstrate that DNA and not protein, is responsible for heredity. Based on this, different forms of DNA were discovered like A-DNA, B-DNA, and Z-DNA. Each has a unique structure and roles. Studying the types of DNA is essential to understand how genetic information is stored, replicated, and expressed in different organisms.

What is DNA?

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic material found in almost all living organisms except viruses. It carries crucial information required for the growth, development, reproduction, and functioning. It guides cellular processes and transmits hereditary information across generations.

DNA can be broadly categorised into two main types, nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA. Nuclear DNA is located within a nucleus of the cell, in the form of chromosomes. On the other hand, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is located in the semi-autonomous organelle of a cell, called mitochondria. Unlike nuclear DNA, mtDNA is maternally inherited and used for studies on maternal inheritance and energy metabolism.

DNA Structure

The double helix model was given by Watson and Crick. In this model, two strands are twisted around each other, forming a helical structure. Each strand contains a chain of repeating nucleotides . Each nucleotide contains three parts, a sugar (deoxyribose), phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases— Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G). The bases pair specifically (A with T and C with G) through hydrogen bonds, ensuring the DNA structure is stable and replicates accurately.

Types of DNA

DNA can exist in several forms such as, A-DNA, B-DNA, and Z-DNA. Each form exhibits different structures and functions. These forms represent the flexibility and versatility of DNA as a molecule that can interact and perform different biological functions.

A-DNA

• A-DNA is a right-handed helix, like B-DNA, but it is shorter and wider.

• It contains 11 base pairs per turn.

• It forms under dehydrated conditions or by the presence of some chemicals that remove water from the DNA molecule.

• It is relatively rare in living cells but can be found or induced by laboratory conditions.

• The dense and compact structure plays a role in another function in DNA-RNA hybrid structures as well as certain enzyme-DNA interactions.

B-DNA

• B-DNA is the most common DNA found in cells under physiologic conditions.

• It is a right-handed double-strand helix with about 10.5 base pairs per turn.

• It is stabilised by hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases and by the hydrophobic interactions between the stacked bases.

• The major and minor grooves of B-DNA have sites for protein binding, which is essential in processes like gene to protein, replication, and DNA repair.

• The regular repeating structure makes B-DNA ideal for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Z-DNA

• Z-DNA is a left-handed helix and has a zigzag backbone

• It contains about 12 base pairs per turn.

• It forms in regions rich in alternating purines and pyrimidines, for example, CG-repeats, or when under stress like high salt concentration or negative supercoiling.

• It plays a role in the regulation of genes and chromatin organisation.

• It acts as a signal for protein binding and allows for the transcriptional activity of nearby genes

Types of DNA Sequences

DNA is made up of different types of sequences. These include coding sequences called exons and non-coding sequences called introns. Some DNA sequences are repetitive and some are unique. All these sequences help to regulate genetic function and inheritance. The types of DNA sequences are mentioned below:

Coding DNA

Coding DNA sequences are transcribed to mRNA and translated to proteins. These regions contain instructions for protein necessary for cellular structure and function.

Non-Coding DNA

Non-coding DNA is not translated into proteins but plays a vital role in gene expression and gene regulation. For example, introns, promoters, and enhancers.

Repetitive DNA

Repetitive DNA includes DNA sequences that are repeated numerous times in the genome. It consists of tandem repeats such as microsatellites and minisatellites, and interspersed repeats like SINEs (Short Interspersed Nuclear Elements) and LINEs (Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements). This contributes to genome evolution and regulation.

Applications of Different DNA Types

• DNA profiling is one of the most important tools of forensic science. It can help identify individuals through their unique genetic composition. It has wide applications in criminal investigations, paternity disputes, and identifying remains of organisms.

• DNA analysis is important for understanding human genetic disorders. It allows scientists to identify a disease-causing mutation, and help in designing treatments.

• Gene clones are produced in biotechnology with the help of plasmids (vectors), to enable scientists to produce proteins, study their functions, and create genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for agriculture, medicine, and research.

Recommended Video on Types of DNA

MCQs on Types of DNA

Q1. The structure of which of the following types of DNA was proposed by Watson and Crick?

1. B-DNA

2. A-DNA

3. Z-DNA

4. All of these

Correct answer: 1) B-DNA

Explanation:

Watson and Crick proposed the double-helix model of DNA, which represents the B-DNA form, the most common and biologically relevant form of DNA found under physiological conditions. B-DNA exists at approximately 90% relative humidity and features a right-handed helix with about 10.5 base pairs per turn. Its structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs (adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine) and base stacking interactions. This form of DNA has a major and a minor groove, which plays critical roles in interactions with proteins and other molecules during processes such as replication and transcription.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) B-DNA.

Q2. Select the correct pair from the following:

1. B-DNA - 92% relative humidity and low ionic strength

2. A-DNA - 92% relative humidity and low ionic strength

3. Z- DNA - diameter of the helix is 18Å

4. A-DNA - comprises 11 base pairs

Option 1: a, b, c

Option 2: a, c, d

Option 3: a, b, d

Option 4: b, c, d

Correct answer: 2) a, c, d

Explanation:

The three main types of DNA structures—B-DNA, A-DNA, and Z-DNA—differ based on environmental conditions. B-DNA is the most common form, found under normal physiological conditions, such as 92% relative humidity and low ionic strength, and forms a right-handed helix with about 10.5 base pairs per turn. A-DNA occurs under 75% relative humidity and in the presence of sodium, potassium, and caesium ions, forming a more compact right-handed helix with 11 base pairs per turn. In contrast, Z-DNA is a left-handed helix that forms under high salt concentrations and has a diameter of 18Å, playing a role in certain DNA regulatory processes. Each form of DNA is adapted to different conditions, influencing its biological function.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) a, c, d

Q3. Which of the following statements is true regarding the types of DNA?

1. A-DNA is the most common form of DNA in prokaryotic cells.

2. B-DNA has a right-handed helical structure.

3. Z-DNA is a stable form of DNA found in all organisms.

4. Each type of DNA has a different number of base pairs per turn.

Correct answer: 2) B-DNA has a right-handed helical structure.

Explanation:

B-DNA is the most common form of DNA in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, with a right-handed helical structure. The term "B-DNA" refers to the fact that this is the most common and biologically relevant form of DNA. Hence option 2 is the correct answer.

Option(1) A-DNA is not the most common form of DNA in prokaryotic cells, it is less common and is typically found under high humidity conditions. Hence option 1 is incorrect.

Option(3) Z-DNA is not stable and is not found in all organisms. It is an unstable form of DNA that is found in some organisms and is thought to play a role in gene expression. Hence option 3 is incorrect.

Option(4) The number of base pairs per turn is consistent among all forms of DNA, typically around 10 base pairs per turn. Hence option 4 is incorrect.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) B-DNA has a right-handed helical structure.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Types of DNA

• Difference between DNA and RNA

• Meselson and Stahl Experiment