Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
superhelix
This term is primarily used in molecular biology and biochemistry to describe the complex spatial organization of macromolecules. It describes a secondary level of twisting, where a DNA double helix is further coiled upon itself, creating a more compact structure. This process is essential for packaging long strands of genetic material into the microscopic confines of a cell nucleus.
In a technical context, the term is closely associated with "supercoiling." While a superhelix refers to the resulting geometric structure, supercoiling refers to the physical process of twisting. The term is highly specialized and rarely appears outside of scientific literature or academic discussions regarding genetics and protein folding.
Meanings
Examples
The DNA molecule forms a complex superhelix to fit inside the cell nucleus.
Look at this diagram of the superhelix structure.
I wonder if the protein maintains its superhelix shape under high temperature.
The superhelix allows for a much higher degree of compaction than a simple helix.
Is the superhelix right handed or left handed in this specific organism?
The researcher observed the formation of a superhelix using an electron microscope.
The researcher observed the formation of a superhelix using an electron microscope.
This particular superhelix is essential for the regulation of gene expression.
This particular superhelix is essential for the regulation of gene expression.
The twisting of the double helix into a superhelix creates significant torsional stress.