When heated, the DNA double helix separates into two random-coil single strands.

Question

When heated, the DNA double helix separates into two random-coil single strands. When cooled, the random coils reform the double helix: double helix 2 random coils (a) What is the sign of Delta S for the forward process? positive negative (b) Energy must be added to overcome H bonds and dispersion forces between the strands. What is the sign of Delta G for the forward process when T Delta S is smaller than All? positive negative (c) Write an expression that shows T in terms of Delta H and Delta S when the reaction is at equilibrium. (This temperature is called the melting temperature of the nucleic acid.)

Explanation / Answer

a)
since randomness is more in product, randomness is decreasing for this reaction
S is positive

b)
H is positive
use
G = H - T*S
since
T*S is smaller than H , G will be positive

c)
G = H - T*S
reaction is at equilibrium when
G = 0
so,
H - T*S = 0
T= H / S

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