discuess the process of DNA molecules base-pairing in thermodynamic terms

roxana90

wrote...

Posts: 11

Rep:

13 years ago

discuess the process of DNA molecules base-pairing in thermodynamic terms

If two single-stranded DNA molecules with complementary sequences are mixed
in solution under physiological conditions (as found in a cell), they will base-pair
to form a doubled-stranded molecule. Briefly discuss this process in thermodynamic
terms. Your answer should include the words “spontaneous,” “Gibbs free energy,”
“entropy,” and enthalpy.

Read 1303 times

2 Replies

Report

Related Topics

Replies

bio_man

wrote...

Educator

13 years ago

The DNA spontaneously folds into its double helical structure due to complementary base pairing via hydrogen bonds.

A positive change in Gibbs free energy means the reaction is not thermodynamically favored to proceed in the direction indicated. Due to complementary base pairing, their will likely be a negative change, and thus it is thermodynamically favoured.

Low entropy means a low degree of randomness. When the DNA strands come together, they amount of entropy decreases.

Not too sure about enthalpy though!

Report

karim89

wrote...

13 years ago

well if we use the relation :

change in Gibbs free energy = change in enthalpy - temperature*change in entropy

if the change in entropy is negative, then the change in enthalpy should also be negative to obtain a negative change in Gibbs free energy.

change in enthalpy < temperature*change in entropy

Report

New Topic

Home Search Q & A Board Gallery Resource Library Blog Dictionary Chat	Quick Links Start a Topic Latest Topics Unanswered Questions Courses Study Tools Browse by Textbook	Social Facebook YouTube Community Stats Who's Online Trending Staff	Help About Us Take the Tour Study Tips Posting Guidelines Terms and Policies Contact Us
Biology Forums - Study Force © 2010-2024 \| Powered by SMF \| SMF © 2015, Simple Machines \| Sitemap Biology-Forums.com is not affiliated with any publisher. Book covers, title and author names appear for reference only.