Scientists Disprove Popular Theory of How DNA Binds Itself

DNA is constructed of two strands, consisting of sugar molecules and phosphate groups. Between these two strands are nitrogen bases, the compounds which make up genes, with hydrogen bonds between them. Until now, it was thought that those hydrogen bonds were what held the two strands together. But a new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that the secret to DNA’s helical structure may be that the molecules have a hydrophobic interior, in an environment consisting mainly of water.