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Multiple Choice
Which entropic factor primarily destabilizes helical DNA at high temperature?
A
Increased disorder of water molecules surrounding DNA
B
Decreased entropy of the DNA backbone
C
Decreased entropy of base stacking interactions
D
Increased conformational entropy of single-stranded DNA
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of entropy: Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system. In the context of DNA, conformational entropy refers to the freedom of movement and flexibility of the DNA strands.
Recognize the structural difference between double-stranded and single-stranded DNA: Double-stranded DNA is more ordered due to the base pairing and helical structure, while single-stranded DNA has greater flexibility and randomness, leading to higher conformational entropy.
Analyze the effect of high temperature on DNA: At high temperatures, the hydrogen bonds between complementary bases in double-stranded DNA break, leading to the separation of the strands into single-stranded DNA. This process increases the conformational entropy of the DNA strands.
Eliminate incorrect options: Increased disorder of water molecules surrounding DNA is not the primary factor destabilizing helical DNA at high temperature. Similarly, decreased entropy of the DNA backbone and decreased entropy of base stacking interactions do not explain the destabilization as effectively as increased conformational entropy of single-stranded DNA.
Conclude that the primary entropic factor destabilizing helical DNA at high temperature is the increased conformational entropy of single-stranded DNA, as the strands gain more freedom and flexibility upon separation.