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A simple demonstration of How Intermolecular Forces Make DNA helical

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Michael F. Bruist

Philadelphia College of Science and Pharmacy, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 600 S. 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4495

J. Chem. Educ., 1998, 75 (1), p 53

DOI: 10.1021/ed075p53

Publication Date (Web): January 1, 1998

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

The DNA double helix provides a beautiful and easy to understand example of how intermolecular forces combine to determine macromolecular structure. A simple consideration of hydrogen bonds, dispersion forces, and ionic interactions explains why DNA is most stable as a helix. A model easily made from boxes and string illustrates the principles clearly. I present this demonstration to my general chemistry students after intermolecular forces have been introduced. The model may also be used in more advanced classes to explain how intercalators, such as ethidium bromide, unwind DNA when they wedge between base pairs.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Biochemistry

Keywords (Feature):

Tested Demonstrations

Keywords (Subject):

Nucleic acids / DNA / RNA

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Citing Articles

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This article has been cited by 3 ACS Journal articles (3 most recent appear below).

DNA Structure and Supercoiling: Ribbons and a Yo-Yo Model
J. David Van Horn
Journal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAP
- DNA Structure and Supercoiling: Ribbons and a Yo-Yo Model
  J. David Van Horn
  Journal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAP
  The double-helical structure of DNA is a pop cultural icon. Images of the DNA molecule appear in newspapers, popular journals, and advertisements. In addition to scientific instrument sales, the aura surrounding the central molecule of life has been used ...
  Abstract | Full Text HTML | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
A 3D Model of Double-Helical DNA Showing Variable Chemical Details
Susan G. Cady
Journal of Chemical Education2005 82 (1), 79
- A 3D Model of Double-Helical DNA Showing Variable Chemical Details
  Susan G. Cady
  Journal of Chemical Education2005 82 (1), 79
  Since the first DNA model was created ≈50 years ago using molecular models, students and teachers have been building simplified DNA models from various practical materials. A 3D double-helical DNA model, made by placing beads on a wire and stringing beads ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
How Do Organic Chemistry Students Understand and Apply Hydrogen Bonding?
J. Henderleiter , R. Smart , J. Anderson and O. Elian
Journal of Chemical Education2001 78 (8), 1126
- How Do Organic Chemistry Students Understand and Apply Hydrogen Bonding?
  J. Henderleiter , R. Smart , J. Anderson and O. Elian
  Journal of Chemical Education2001 78 (8), 1126
  Students completing a year-long organic chemistry sequence were interviewed to assess how they understood, explained, and applied knowledge of hydrogen bonding to the physical behavior of molecules. Students were asked to define hydrogen bonding and ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links