Multiple Choice
In gel electrophoresis of organic compounds, why do larger molecules tend to remain closer to the wells where the sample was loaded?
3. Acids and Bases
Organic Chemistry Reactions
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In the context of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), how are the DNA strands separated during the denaturation step?
A
By using helicase enzymes to unwind the DNA
B
By adding a strong acid to break the hydrogen bonds
C
By heating the reaction mixture to around 95°C
D
By applying a high-pressure environment to the reaction
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique used to amplify DNA sequences, making millions of copies of a specific DNA segment.
Recognize that PCR involves three main steps: denaturation, annealing, and extension. Each step is crucial for the successful amplification of DNA.
Focus on the denaturation step, which is the first step in the PCR cycle. During this step, the double-stranded DNA is separated into two single strands.
Learn that the separation of DNA strands during the denaturation step is achieved by heating the reaction mixture to around 95°C. This high temperature breaks the hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases of the DNA strands, effectively denaturing the DNA.
Note that this method of using heat to separate DNA strands is different from biological processes, such as those involving helicase enzymes, which unwind DNA in living organisms. In PCR, the heat provides the energy needed to disrupt the hydrogen bonds without the need for enzymes or chemical agents.
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