Textbook Question
Which of the following equalities is not true for double-stranded DNA?
(G+T)=(A+C)
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7. DNA and Chromosome Structure
DNA Structure
1:50 minutesProblem 24
Textbook Question
What is the chemical basis of molecular hybridization?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that molecular hybridization involves the pairing of complementary nucleic acid strands, such as DNA-DNA, DNA-RNA, or RNA-RNA.
Recognize that the chemical basis of this process is the formation of hydrogen bonds between complementary nucleotide bases: adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) or uracil (U), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G).
Note that the stability of the hybridized molecules is influenced by the number of hydrogen bonds: A-T pairs form two hydrogen bonds, while C-G pairs form three, making C-G pairs more stable.
Consider the role of temperature and ionic conditions in the hybridization process, as these factors can affect the melting temperature (Tm) and stability of the hybridized strands.
Explore applications of molecular hybridization, such as in techniques like Southern blotting, Northern blotting, and in situ hybridization, which are used to detect specific nucleic acid sequences.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Molecular Hybridization
Molecular hybridization refers to the process where two complementary strands of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) bind together through base pairing. This occurs when the hydrogen bonds form between adenine-thymine (A-T) or guanine-cytosine (G-C) pairs, allowing for the formation of stable double-stranded structures. Understanding this concept is crucial for applications in genetics, such as PCR and DNA sequencing.
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Base Pairing Rules
Base pairing rules dictate how nucleotides in DNA and RNA pair with each other. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine, and guanine pairs with cytosine, while in RNA, adenine pairs with uracil instead of thymine. These rules are fundamental to molecular hybridization, as they ensure the specificity and stability of the hybridized strands, which is essential for accurate genetic information transfer.
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Chemical Bonds in Nucleic Acids
The chemical basis of molecular hybridization involves hydrogen bonds and phosphodiester linkages. Hydrogen bonds form between the complementary bases of the nucleic acids, while phosphodiester bonds link the sugar and phosphate groups of the nucleotides within a single strand. This combination of bonds is critical for the structural integrity and functionality of nucleic acids during hybridization processes.
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