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Two strands winding around each other, joined by rungs.
Also known as: DNA symbol, Double helix
Two strands twisting about a common axis and joined by regular rungs. It stands for genetics, heredity and biotechnology, and is one of the few scientific structures to become a general-purpose symbol of science itself.
Represents the double-helical structure of DNA: two antiparallel strands wound about a common axis and held together by paired bases.
Contexts: Laboratory
Used broadly to stand for genetics, heredity, biotechnology and — often loosely — for science in general, well beyond any claim about the molecule.
Drawings of it are frequently wrong in a specific way: the helix is right-handed in the common B form, and left-handed renderings are widespread in logos and stock illustration.
Two long strands winding around each other in a spiral, joined at regular intervals by short horizontal rungs, like a twisted ladder.
Both appear on laboratory and biotechnology signage, though only one is a warning.