What structure of DNA was elucidated that helped in the understanding of genetic material?

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The structure of DNA that was elucidated is the double helix. This discovery, primarily credited to James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, was crucial for understanding how genetic information is stored and transmitted in living organisms. The double helix model describes DNA as two strands that intertwine around each other, forming a spiral staircase-like structure. This configuration allows the bases on the strands to pair specifically (adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine), which is fundamental for the processes of replication and protein synthesis.

The double helix not only explains the base pairing but also contributes to the stability and compactness of the DNA molecule, enabling it to efficiently package large amounts of genetic information within the cell nucleus. Furthermore, this structure facilitates the mechanisms of genetic inheritance and the accessibility of the genetic code for transcription and translation, making it a cornerstone of molecular biology and genetics.

In contrast, the other options represent variations of DNA structure that, while interesting, do not have the same foundational importance as the double helix in the context of genetic material understanding. Single-stranded DNA plays a role primarily in certain viruses and during specific cellular processes, while triple helix and Z-DNA structures are less common and not fundamental to the typical understanding

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