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DNA has a double helix structure. This double helix structure exists, as the bases form hydrogen bonds (Adenine-Thymine form 2 hydrogen bonds and Guanine-Cytosine form 3 hydrogen bonds). In an alkali environment (mostly NaOH is used) the hydrogen bonds between the bases will be broken by the hydroxylic group (OH). Due to the breakage of the hydrogen bond, the double helix is broken, so two single DNA strands are obtained. Meaning the DNA is denatured.

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What can denature DNA?

by heating above certain temprature eg.90 or 100 degree celcius or by treting with strong alkali or strong acid you can denature your DNA *Actually, you can denature DNA in water if you wanted to. Basically any polar solvent will denature DNA because it has a negatively charged sugar-phosphate backbone. Mutagens can also influence DNA although it isn't exactly denaturing it. So can high energy light, like UV or all kinds of radiation. This, too, isn't denaturing though.


What are common alkali solutions?

Soaps


Why must DNA fragments be exposed to an alkaline solution before hybridization?

Exposing DNA fragments to an alkaline solution helps to denature the double-stranded DNA into single strands, which are needed for hybridization to occur. This process breaks the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs of the DNA, allowing the strands to separate and be available for binding with complementary sequences.


What does alkali labile site mean?

Alkali-labile sites are regions in the DNA molecule that are susceptible to breakage or damage in the presence of alkali (such as sodium hydroxide). These sites can occur due to various factors, including DNA damage from oxidative stress or exposure to certain chemicals. Detecting alkali-labile sites can be helpful in studying DNA damage and repair mechanisms.


The colors of litmus in acid and alkali's are?

Litmus paper turns red in acidic solutions and blue in alkaline solutions.


Neutral solutions are neither .............?

Acid and Alkali.


Is benzalkonium chloride an acid or alkali?

Dilute water solutions are neutral.


Is sodium alkali or acid?

The water solutions of sodium chloride are neutral.


What is the solubility of alkali metals in water?

The solubility of alkali metals in water is high. Alkali metals such as lithium, sodium, and potassium readily dissolve in water to form alkaline solutions.


Can you tamper with DNA?

Not directly. Radiation can cause mutations in DNA. Excess heat (as in the case of a fever) can denature (destroy) the DNA sequence as well as other proteins which will usually result in cell death.


What is the Use of chloroform in DNA extraction from organisms?

Chloroform is used in DNA extraction to separate DNA from proteins and lipids. It helps to denature and precipitate the proteins and disrupt the cell membranes to release the DNA. The DNA can then be further purified and isolated for downstream applications.


Is lithium hydroxide a acid or a alkali?

Alkali. IF something contains hydroxide ions it is an alkali.