Dictionary Entry

double helix

noun

Find the meaning of the word double helix, plus dictionary definition, pronunciation, thesaurus-style synonyms, antonyms, and related vocabulary.

Meaning

Dictionary meaning in a clear, student-friendly format.

the molecular structure of DNA — two antiparallel polynucleotide strands wound around a central axis, described by Watson and Crick in 1953 [R]

Example Sentence

The double helix unwinds so each strand can serve as a template for a new DNA molecule.

Usage Note

Use the term when describing the 3-D shape of DNA or explaining how genetic information is copied.

Synonyms

Antonyms