Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level 5th Edition

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1118918401
ISBN 13: 978-1-11891-840-1

Chapter 3 - Nucleotides, Nucleic Acids, and Genetic Information - Exercises - Page 77: 9

Answer

The strands of a DNA molecule can be separated more easily when the pH level is greater than 11 because when the pH is higher, the concentration of the hydroxide ions is higher. These added hydride ions are negatively charged and therefore pull molecules off from the DNA base pairs.

Work Step by Step

The strands of a DNA molecule can be separated more easily when the pH level is greater than 11 because when the pH is higher, the concentration of the hydroxide ions is higher. These added hydride ions are negatively charged and therefore pull molecules off from the DNA base pairs.
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