Scientists uncover 'coils' in DNA that form under pressure

DNA molecular structure with sequencing data of human genome analysis and wire mesh network.

Scientists have found that twisting structures in DNA long mistaken for knots are actually something else entirely.

Inside cells, DNA gets twisted, copied, and pulled apart. The twists can influence how genes function, affecting which are switched on and when. Studying how DNA responds to stress can help scientists better understand how genes are controlled, how the molecule is organized, and how problems with these processes might contribute to disease.