DNA double helix

[chiddler]

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In ds-DNA, the two hydrogen bonded antiparallel DNA strands form a right-handed double helix. The double helix is stabilized by van der Waals interactions and hydrophobic interactions between the bases.

What is the difference between DNA double helix being formed vs being stabilized? Does this mean that h-bonding is the largest contributor and the others are important but not as?

 

[Erythropoietin]

In ds-DNA, the two hydrogen bonded antiparallel DNA strands form a right-handed double helix. The double helix is stabilized by van der Waals interactions and hydrophobic interactions between the bases.

What is the difference between DNA double helix being formed vs being stabilized? Does this mean that h-bonding is the largest contributor and the others are important but not as?

Yes I believe H-bonding is the most important contributor because to form a double strand, the two strands' bases make a connection (base pairing) by hydrogen bonding.

 

[chiddler]

Yes I believe H-bonding is the most important contributor because to form a double strand, the two strands' bases make a connection (base pairing) by hydrogen bonding.

Now that this has incubated in my head a while, this question seems obvious 😛

You're right for sure: h-bonding is the most important. Thanks for your help.

 

[dranet]

They are talking about the Intermolecular forces which interestingly enough aren't very strong on their own. H bondsfor holding the two DNA strands together (Tertiary Structure), Van Der Waals- polarity based and Hydrophobic Interactions- non polar based enable the Quaternary structure to occur. The DNA helix folds to protect the hydrophobic bases from the water based medium in which they are found. Sneaky Protein structure q if you ask me!