Why doesn't DNA get knotted?

[Rev. Green]

Each cell contains 2 metres of DNA. If I put 2 kilometres of two-ply wool in a suitcase it would be hopelessly knotted. Why doesn't DNA get knotted? It obviously doesn't, because tangled DNA would not work.

[jackthehat]

I wondered what on earth it had done to upset you, until I read the rest of your question :o)

[chakka35]

Super answer, jack. I laughed out loud.

[Clanad]

But... the DNA does become tangled... more accurately described as knotting. The healthy strands of DNA within the cell are tightly coiled. Usually, when a strand is replicated, only a small section is unwound and the surgery is completed. However, for reasons not entirely clear, when DNA strands are "snipped" by enzymes to rearrange its genetic sequencing in a process known as recombination the usually neat and tidy DNA ladder can become hopelessly tangled or knotted.
Fortunately, other enzymes can cleanup the mess, but in some instances, deterioated DNA is the result.
Recent studies have shown that site-specific recombination can twist the DNA only into particular, definaeable knots and links. Its been found that only a small proportion of the very complicated knots could occur in DNA. The experiments indicate the possibility that the enzymatic action could help researchers use site-specific recombination to repair the faulty DNA that causes genetic diseases. (Thanks in part to: Science News)

[mrs.chappie]

Clanad, I was just gonna say that.

:o)

[peanut273]

haha have faith in the human body! lol

ur wool would get knotted as ur obviously not careful with the wool, if your wool was uberly important to you would you be more careful with it??
The body's DNA is precious so the body keeps it 'safe' by DNA becomming coiled into a double helix!!