Question

If a DNA is isolated and kept at 82-90${}^o$C, then

• A. It changes into RNA.
• B. It divides into one million pieces.
• C. No effect is observed.
• D. It will denature.

Answer 1

The correct option is D It will denature.

• Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is a nucleic acid molecule of living organisms and carries all the genetic information and instructions.
• All these sets of information and instructions related to the development, functioning, and reproduction of living organisms are vital to their survival.
• This molecule which carries all the biological data has a double-strand structure where both strands are coiled together to form the characteristic double helix.
• However, when this is exposed to a temperature range of $82$ - $90$${}^o$$C$, the hydrogen bonds break, and all the base pairs in a DNA double helix melt, thus uncoiling the helix and separating the stands. This process is known as denaturation.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D.