1. twisted or coiled structures formed when DNA or other long molecules wind around themselves under tension
Usage: biology; genetics

1. forms twisted coils or causes to wind around itself under tension
Usage: biology; technical

Examples

• DNA supercoils help package genetic material efficiently in cells.
• The enzyme relieves tension by allowing the DNA to supercoil.
• Researchers studied how the chromosome supercoils during cell division.
• When the protein binds, it causes the DNA strand to supercoil.
• The molecule supercoils naturally under these conditions.
• Scientists observed that the DNA supercoils more tightly under stress.