noun
- plural of superhelix; complex coiled structures formed when a helix is further twisted upon itself
Usage: biochemistry; molecular biology
Examples
- DNA molecules form superhelices when they are overwound or underwound.
- The researchers studied the formation of superhelices in chromatin structure.
- Topoisomerases help relieve tension in DNA superhelices during replication.
- Superhelices play a crucial role in gene regulation and DNA packaging.
- The electron microscope revealed intricate superhelices within the cell nucleus.
- Scientists measured the degree of supercoiling in these superhelices.