Chapter 4, Problem 12PIAT

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The orientation of the sugar–phosphate backbone in Pauling’s model compared with the one proposed by Watson and Crick to analyze whether Pauling’s structure could exist in cells or not with explanation.

Introduction:

The structure of DNA followed today was earlier published incorrect by researchers Linus Pauling and Robert Corey in 1953 due to insufficient data and an overloaded research schedule. This model proposed that DNA has triple-stranded structure with the nitrogenous bases on the exterior and the sugar-phosphate backbones clustered in the middle. In the 1950s, the race to solve the secondary structure of DNA became intense. In an uncharacteristic rush to publish, Linus Pauling erroneously proposed a triple-stranded structure in February 1953. This model had the nitrogenous bases on the exterior and the sugar–phosphate backbones clustered in the middle.