When DNA is placed in distilled water, which is pH 7.0, it denatures (i.e., the two strands separate). The pH inside a cell is generally 7.2-7.5, depending on the organism, but DNA is generally double-stranded under physiological conditions. Briefly explain, in your own words, why DNA denatures when placed in distilled water but not when it is inside a cell. [Reminder: the pKa for the phosphate groups in the sugar-phosphate backbone of a strand of DNA is 2.14]

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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2) When DNA is placed in distilled water, which is pH 7.0, it denatures (i.e., the two strands separate). The pH inside a cell is generally 7.2-7.5, depending on the organism, but DNA is generally double-stranded under physiological conditions. Briefly explain, in your own words, why DNA denatures when placed in distilled water but not when it is inside a cell. [Reminder: the pKa for the phosphate groups in the sugar-phosphate backbone of a strand of DNA is 2.14]

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