Genetics 3D Academy

High-performance molecular visualization

Open Sourcev0.1.0-alpha

DNA Double Helix

B-DNA · Z-DNA · comparative mode

Explore the double helix in its native B-DNA form (right-handed, Olson 2001) and compare it with Z-DNA (left-handed, zigzag, inverted grooves). Side-by-side comparative mode with structural parameters, base geometries, and Watson-Crick pairing.

Take the Central Dogma tour

Watch a gene go from DNA to protein in one guided, narrated sequence.

Guided tour

G-C Bonds

A quick challenge tied to this scene is waiting for you.

Challenge

Push DNA toward Z-form

Apply high salt + (GC)n conditions and watch the Z-DNA propensity rise.

Explore

Load the real B-DNA crystal

Bring in the experimental 1BNA structure from the PDB and compare it to the model.

Real structure

Graphic qualityUltra (ULTRA)

B-DNA vs Z-DNA comparison

Property	B-DNA	Z-DNA
Chirality	Right-handed (→)	Left-handed (←)
bp / turn	10.5	12
Rise/bp	0.338 nm	0.37 nm
Helix pitch	3.55 nm	4.44 nm
Diameter	2.37 nm	1.84 nm
Major groove	2.2 nm (deep)	0.9 nm (flat)
Minor groove	1.2 nm	1.8 nm (deep)
Backbone	Uniform	Zigzag
Context	Physiological	High salt / (GC)n

≈90% del ADN celular en reposo. Favorecida por alta humedad y baja sal. · Transcripciones activas, secuencias (GC)n, regulación génica y respuesta inmune.

Molecular components

Scientific references

Watson & Crick (1953) — Nature
Olson et al. (2001) — Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
Wang et al. (1979) — Z-DNA, Nature
Rich et al. (1984) — J. Biomol. Struct. Dyn.
PDB: estructuras B-DNA y Z-DNA a resolución atómica

Nitrogenous bases

AAdenine

TThymine

GGuanine

CCytosine

Adenine pairs with Thymine (A-T), Guanine with Cytosine (G-C).

Initializing molecular 3D engine

Shaders · Post-processing · HD lighting