MGA2 02-07

Major & Minor Grooves in a space-filling model of DNA

The major and minor grooves are opposite each other, and each runs continuously along the entire length of the DNA molecule. They arise from the antiparallel arrangement of the two backbone strands. Note that the grooves are actual structural features of the molecule, not consequences of the way it is drawn. The grooves are important in the attachment of DNA Binding Proteins involved in replication and trascription.


All text material © 2011 by Steven M. Carr