Question

Why is it necessary for naturally occurring DNA molecules to be negatively supercoiled?

Short answer

The negative supercoiling prepares the molecule for the molecules that need separation of the DNA strands.

Step-by-step solution

DNA

DNA constitutes a group of molecules that is responsible for transferring genetic materials from the parents to the offspring. This is correct for viruses as several of the entities contain DNA or RNA as the genetic material.

The reason why the naturally occurring DNA molecules are negatively supercoiled

Negative supercoiling is the left handed coiling of DNA that makes the winding occur in the anticlockwise direction. It is necessary that the naturally occurring DNA molecules are negatively supercoiled as the negative supercoiling prepares the molecule for the molecules that need separation of the DNA strands.