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The bonds between the bases of the two strands of DNA are hydrogen bonds (H-bonds). These are weaker bonds than the covalent bonds of the sugar-phosphate backbone. This means that when heat is applied, the H-bonds between the strand are broken and they separate. But the individual strands remain intact because of the backbone.

Different segments of DNA will separate at different temperatures mostly because of the different G-C contents of the segment. There are 3 H-bonds between the bases G and C, but only 2 between A and T. This means that the more G-C contained in the segment of DNA, the more tightly the strands are bound together and the higher the temperature needed to separate them.

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The DNA double helix is a co-operative structure stabilized by hydrogen

bonds and base pairing

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Q: Why does the DNA duplex melt at a specific temperature?
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Why DNA duplex melts at a specific temperature on heating?

DNA duplex strands are bonded by hydrogen bonds. On heating the hydrogen bonds break. At specific temperature called Tm half of the double helix is broken down (separated from each other) while the other half remains as such. This temperature can be determined , also the GC bond is stronger than AT so in such cases the temperature is more if the helix has more GC bonds.


Why not DNA act as primer in place of DNA during DNA replication?

In case you are talking about Polymerase chain reaction; you melt the double strain from each other by raising the temperature. By lowering the temperature, DNA will melt together again. This would happen with the complement strain or with primers. But due to the length of the primer it will bind the matching sequence a lot faster than the complement strain. this is also balanced by strict temperature regulations during a PCR cycle. * and ofcourse you dont replicate anything if the whole complement strain attaches!


Why a DNA duplex melts at a specific temperature (Tm) on heating?

At a certain temperature (around 50oC) the hydrogen bonds between nitrogenous bases on each strand of the double helix (or DNA duplex) become unstable and broke apart and therefore both strands tend to separate. On the other hand, the stability of the DNA double helix, and hence its Tm, depends on several factors, including the nature of the solvents, the identities and concentrations of the ions in solutions, and the pH. Tm also increases linearly with the mole fraction of G-C base pairs, which indicates that triple hydrogen-bonded G-C base pairs are more stable than doubly hydrogen-bonded A-T base pairs.


What term is used to describe the pattern of base pairing between one DNA strand and its partner in a duplex?

antiparallel


How is he melting curve of duplex DNA affected by adding a small amount of ethanol?

If a DNA strand is denatured, it is generally as a result of an increase in temperature. If monitored, the absorbance can be graphed as a function of temperature. The midpoint in the resulting curve is the melting point. The melting curve can be altered by decreasing the ionic concentration, causing an decrease in the melting temperature. This is due to the Poly-anion nature of the DNA helix. When the ionic strength is decreased, the stability of the DNA strand decreases. When a small amount of ethanol is added, the non-polar effect has the biggest impact. When EtOH is added, the non-polar nature of the solution is decreased, resulting in a decreased importance of the hydrophobic forces on the stability of the helix, resulting in a lower melting temperature.


How is DNA melting temperature used to aid bacterial classification?

DNA melting temperature, or Tm, is used as a reference point to differentiate bacterial species based on their genetic composition. By analyzing the Tm of specific DNA regions, researchers can compare the genetic similarities and differences between different bacteria. This information can help in categorizing bacteria into distinct groups or taxa.


What is the section in a DNA that is responsible for making specific characteristics?

Genes are part of DNA which are responsible for specific characteristics.


What is strand of DNA that codes for a specific trait?

A gene is a strand of DNA that codes for a specific trait


A pattern of bands made up of specific DNA fragments is a?

DNA fingerprint


what is a copy of DNA that is used to direct the synthesis of a specific protein?

A gene is a segment of DNA that is used to direct the synthesis of a specific protein.


What determines a specific trait?

DNA determines a specific trait.


What is the shape of mRNA?

mRNA is most commonly linear but can form a duplex double strand just like DNA.