What is the difference between Z-DNA and B-DNA?

Answer 1

Z-DNA is usually found in areas with alternating purine and pyrimidine bases (ie. -ATATAT- ). When you look at it from the side, Z-DNA zig-zags toward the top left of the page/screen (This is essentially what it means when you read "left-handed helical form"), compared to B-DNA ("right-handed") which spins toward the top right. If you look at the top looking down the center of the molecule, B-DNA has no hole in the center (like in A-DNA) and is arranged with the bases in the middle, then the sugar, and then finally the phosphate backbone is at the edges. Z-DNA also lacks a hole in the center, but due to the zig-zagging structure, there is no definite area to locate the bases, sugar, and phosphate backbone -- they are all jumbled up together.

Answer 2

A-DNA is similar to B-DNA, but with a shorter helix. B-DNA is the most common kind, and has a major and minor groove with a similar depth. Z-DNA is left-handed, whereas A and B-DNA are right handed. This is the direction of the twist in the helix.

Answer 3

A DNA occurs under greater dehydration than B DNA therefore it is more compact than B DNA, it also has 11bp/turn, the diameter is 23A, the plane of the bases is tilted at a 30 degree angle and the distinction between the minor and major groves is reduced.

B DNA Most common DNA, Has a right hand Helix, and the strands are positioned antiparallel, it has a 10bp/turn and a diameter of 20A, the minor and major groves are more distinct. the Length of one turn of DNA is 34A

Z DNA so called because the sugar phosphate backbone is zig-zagged, this form of DNA has a left hand Helix with 12bp/turn the length of one turn of DNA is longer than B DNA measuring 45A. Different types of DNA can be found in the same long molecule in a cell (E.G. Z interspaced with B DAN)

Answer 4

in double helical nature. z-dna is left handed but b-dna is right handed

Answer 5

Orientation of phosphate backbone