Which model describes the double-helix structure of the DNA molecule?

The Watson-Crick Model accurately describes the double-helix structure of the DNA molecule, proposing that DNA is composed of two strands that wind around each other, forming a helical shape. This model illustrates how the sugar-phosphate backbone of each strand is on the outside, and the nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) pair in specific ways across the strands (adenine with thymine, and cytosine with guanine) in the center of the helix. This complementary base pairing is fundamental to the mechanisms of DNA replication and transcription, ensuring fidelity in genetic information transfer.

James Watson and Francis Crick's discovery was significantly informed by earlier work, including the X-ray diffraction images produced by Rosalind Franklin, which indicated the helical nature of DNA. However, the Watson-Crick Model is distinct in that it provides a specific framework for understanding the structure and function of DNA, elucidating how genetic information is stored and passed on through generations.