For a double strand DNA, one strand is given below: [figure] The amount of energy required to split the double strand DNA into two single strands is kcal mol-1. [Given: Average energy per H-bond for A-T base pair = 1.0 kcal mol-1, G-C base pair = 1.5 kcal mol-1, and A-U base pair = 1.25 kcal mol-1. Ignore electrostatic repulsion between the phosphate groups.]
Answer
41
Solution
In DNA, A pairs with T by 2 H-bonds and G pairs with C by 3 H-bonds (no A-U pairs in DNA).
Strand: A G T C A C G T A A G T C → A = 4, T = 3 7 A-T pairs; G = 3, C = 3 6 G-C pairs.
H-bonds: A-T = 7 2 = 14; G-C = 6 3 = 18
Energy = 14 1.0 + 18 1.5 = 14 + 27 = 41 kcal mol-1
Answer: 41