Z-DNA

noun

A configuration of DNA in cells, left-hand twisting double helix, that takes up a zigzagging form due to the natural right-hand twisting tendency of DNA.

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Meanings

nounZ-DNA (countable and uncountable, plural Z-DNAs)

plural Z-DNAs

  1. uncountableA configuration of DNA in cells, left-hand twisting double helix, that takes up a zigzagging form due to the natural right-hand twisting tendency of DNA.
  2. countableA DNA helix in such a configuration.

Origin

From Z + DNA. From zigzagging of the zigzag configuration DNA.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Z-DNA. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Z-DNA

MLA

“Z-DNA.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Z-DNA. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Z-DNA,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Z-DNA.

Source: Z-DNA on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.