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[[A-form dna]]

(Science: molecular biology) One of several forms that can be assumed by a double helix. A-dna is stable in dehydrated conditions.

this form is less common than the dominant form found under physiological conditions -- beta-dna. This form is also assumed by dna-rna hybrid helices and by regions of double-stranded rna. It is a right-handed helix and is a more compact form than beta-dna.