/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 21 What is the physical state of DN... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 9: Problem 21

What is the physical state of DNA after being denatured by heat?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: After DNA has been denatured by heat, its physical state is single-stranded, with the two strands of the DNA molecule no longer held together by hydrogen bonds.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding DNA denaturation

DNA denaturation is a process in which the double helix structure of DNA molecule is separated into two single strands. This occurs when the hydrogen bonds holding the two strands together are broken, which causes the DNA molecule to lose its characteristic structure. Heat is one of the factors that can cause DNA denaturation, as increasing temperature provides more energy for the hydrogen bonds to break.
02

Effect of heat on DNA structure

When DNA is exposed to heat, the hydrogen bonds that hold the two strands of the double helix together become unstable. As the temperature increases, more hydrogen bonds break, weakening the structure of the DNA molecule. At a certain temperature, called the melting temperature (Tm), the hydrogen bonds are broken and the two strands separate completely. This is known as heat denaturation of DNA.
03

Physical state of denatured DNA

After the DNA has been denatured by heat, it exists in a single-stranded state. The two strands of the DNA molecule separate and are no longer held together by hydrogen bonds. Since the DNA molecule is still composed of the same nucleotides, its chemical composition remains the same. However, its physical structure has changed due to the absence of the hydrogen bonds.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Newsdate: March \(1,2030 .\) A unique creature has been discovered during exploration of outer space. Recently, its genetic material has been isolated and analyzed, and has been found to be similar in some ways to DNA in chemical makeup. It contains in abundance the 4 -carbon sugar erythrose and a molar equivalent of phosphate groups. In addition, it contains six nitrogenous bases: adenine(A), guanine(G), thymine(T), cytosine (C), hypoxanthine (H), and xanthine (X). These bases exist in the following relative proportion: \(A=T=H \quad\) and \(\quad C=G=X\) X-ray diffraction studies have established a regularity in the molecule and a constant diameter of about \(30 \AA\). Together, these data have suggested a model for the structure of this molecule. (a) Propose a general model of this molecule, and briefly describe it. (b) What base-pairing properties must exist for \(\mathrm{H}\) and for \(\mathrm{X}\) in the model? (c) Given the constant diameter of \(30 \AA\), do you think either (i) both \(\mathrm{H}\) and \(\mathrm{X}\) are purines or both pyrimidines, or (ii) one is a purine and one is a pyrimidine?

Adenine may also be named 6-amino purine. How would you name the other four nitrogenous bases, using this alternative system? (O is oxy, and \(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\) is methyl.)

One of the most common spontaneous lesions that occurs in DNA under physiological conditions is the hydrolysis of the amino group of cytosine, converting it to uracil. What would be the effect on DNA structure if a uracil group replaced cytosine?

You are provided with DNA samples from two newly discovered bacterial viruses. Based on the various analytical techniques discussed in this chapter, construct a research protocol that would be useful in characterizing and contrasting the DNA of both viruses. Indicate the type of information you hope to obtain for each technique included in the protocol.

List three main differences between DNA and RNA.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Heredity

Read Explanation

Genetic Information

Read Explanation

Responding to Change

Read Explanation

Communicable Diseases

Read Explanation

Biological Organisms

Read Explanation

Ecosystems

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.