B-DNA Structure

B-DNA Structure for Molecular Biology Show the: DNA, only. Water molecules in: Major groove. Minor groove. Whole complex.Rotate: X 90� X -90� Y 90� Y -90�Distances: DNA, one turn (length in � units) DNA, diameter (width in � units) Reset
The B-Form DNA Structure. The "Dickerson Dodecamer" is shown using the Ball & Stick display. The 5' and 3' ends of each chain are labeled.
View an A-T or G-C base pair: An A-T base pair (distance in � between C^1' carbons). Remove distances.
Number the adenine and thymine ring positions. A G-C base pair (distance in � between C^1' carbons).
Number the guanine and cytosine ring positions. A G-C base pair (dot surface) above an A-T base pair (Spacefill).
Place any of the above base pairs in the original double helix.

Viewing tips:

Use the buttons to the right of the image to show only portions of the structure; then use the Chime menu to display or color the molecule. The rotate buttons act on the entire structure. Remove the distance monitors with a second click.
On this and other pages that display DNA structures, the nucleotides can be identified by choosing Shapely under the Chime Colors menu. The Shapely colors for DNA are:
Go to the one-page display of one of these structures:

Back to Structures for Molecular Biology at CMU.

The image displayed on this page requires the Chemscape Chime plug-in.
A description of its use at this site can be found at the Chime Features page. Coordinates from 1BNA.pdb.