Here's What DNA Really Looks Like

There’s more to DNA than just the double helix we know and love: under some conditions this familiar molecule can take on unfamiliar forms, each of which can have a different impact on our health.

Hosted by: Hank Green

----------
----------
Huge thanks go to the following Patreon supporters for helping us keep SciShow free for everyone forever:

Bd_Tmprd, Harrison Mills, Jeffrey Mckishen, James Knight, Christoph Schwanke, Jacob, Matt Curls, Sam Buck, Christopher R Boucher, Eric Jensen, Lehel Kovacs, Adam Brainard, Greg, Ash, Sam Lutfi, Piya Shedden, KatieMarie Magnone, Scott Satovsky Jr, Charles Southerland, charles george, Alex Hackman, Chris Peters, Kevin Bealer
----------
Looking for SciShow elsewhere on the internet?
----------
Sources:
General overviews of alternate DNA structures:

B-DNA and history of the double helix:

A-DNA:

Z-DNA:

H-DNA:

G-quadruplexes:

Image Sources:

[besmart]

I don't know why I am choosing to fact-check this in the comments, but 1 meter of DNA per cell is the length of the haploid genome. We have a diploid genome, and each cell actually holds 2 m of DNA. Great video!

[larkmacgregor]

As a molecular biologist myself (RNA Pol II is my bailiwick), the next time someone asks me to explain why the common form of the genetic material is called "B-DNA", I am going to refer them to this video. Hank, you and your team do a terrific job of explaining how things work in a clear fashion without getting bogged down in technical minutiae. Thanks for all you do to help educate people about a subject that is complex in a way that is easily understood. You are awesome!

[danielm.]

A G-Quadruplex sounds like a wrestling move...

[kjth]

Every cell in my body knows how to replicate DNA, but my brain wasn't let in on the secret so I've had to spend years studying it!

[WillsWei]

1:22 It’s called right or left handed because if you align your 4 fingers with the twists of the helix, your thumb will point in the direction of the helix for only one of your hands, and that hand is the “handedness” of the helix

[BothHands]

ty for the advanced biochem!! i had to drop out last semester due to unforseen circumstances, but starting in january, i'll be going back and retaking the course. and this video def helped bring some excitement back to me for that class. <3

[Sakkura]

1:58 that's our haploid genome, but our cells are diploid in G1 phase and (sort of) tetraploid in G2 phase. So our cells have between 2 and 4 meters worth of DNA inside them.

[Cornfedcryptid]

Props for giving Rosalind Franklin the credit she deserves and not solely crediting Watson and Crick with the discovery of DNA!

[leogama]

Are you trying to melt my brain *again* Hank?!

[heyitsbranigan]

Thank you, Phineas & Ferb, for teaching us what an Aglet is

[albertjackinson]

Now THIS is what should be taught in high school Biology about DNA!
It's a great expansion on what I learned last year, too.

[HN-krnf]

so glad you guys mentioned rosalind franklin, no science lesson has ever mentioned her!

[pamelapilling]

Learned so much. Thanks Hank and the Complexly crew.

[Starfals]

This was very informational, love the video :)
I swear, i have learned much from this channel (about many topics) that its just unreal.

[SegmentW]

I love the intro so much and Hank is my favorite amalgamation of DNA <3

[robertomorales]

Ngl I did not think an aglet would be mentioned. Phineas and Ferb was an amazing show.

[brandonkelley]

I took a genetics class over the summer and I still learned a lot from this video

[gerrie]

SO much information in 10 mins, . and at that, BARELY scratching the surface of what we know, forget about what's still to learn, . always exceptional videos. :o)

[EksaStelmere]

Gods, every time I hear "Rosalind Franklin" I'm reminded you can't win a Nobel Prize if you're dead.

[germanarellano]

Great video. That is why my kids and I love your channel.