Triple Helix

Although the chemistry was wrong, Linus Pauling's triple-stranded DNA model was a catalyst for James Watson and Francis Crick to solve the structure of DNA.
Originally created for DNA Interactive ( http://www.dnai.org )
TRANSCRIPT: This is Linus Pauling's failed attempt to predict the structure of DNA. The problem with his triple helix model is that the phosphates form the helical core, with the bases pointing outwards. This would be impossible under normal cellular conditions. Each phosphate group is negatively charged, and so many negative charges forced together would repel each other, literally driving the structure apart.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• linus pauling
• dna helix
• triple helix
• phosphate group
• dna structure
• structure of dna
• pieces of the puzzle
• negative charges
• model 3d
• location code
• phosphates
• narration
• animation

[DNALearningCenter]

Hi catapolt1. The animation is an accurate representation of a molecule, including Brownian motion. Thanks for the comment.

DNALC

[catapolt1]

@DNALearningCenter its accurate, but i was trying to examine its cellular structure and how the 3 strands wrap around, but for accuracy its perfect i was looking for how it looks and its constructed not its accuracy... i will thumb up



[Mairz02]

Incorrect - Linus Pauling predicted that there were hydrogen atoms attached to the phosphate groups, meaning that there is no net charge present. Where he went wrong was in doing this, the phosphate groups are represented as unionized and therefore this proposed structure for a nucleic acid was not an acid at all.. Nothing to do with negative phosphates as the charges were balanced.

[CromlechDolmen]

@catapolt1 Why is it shaking? Did you listen to the video at all? There are loads negative forces stuffed together in a tight spot. Shove two negative magnets together and you'll get your shaking. So thumb this video up right now!

[richjamesmclean]

@Shakeitupyes triple helices are possible using Hoogsteen Pairs. I'm not sure if it happens naturally though.

[catapolt1]

why is it shaking? ruins entire video...thumb down

[Shakeitupyes]

so does this mean a triple helix is then impossible and will never be seen?

[AllenGraph]

very cool