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roxana90 roxana90
wrote...
Posts: 11
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13 years ago
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.
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wrote...
Valued Member
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!
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
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