QuestionJuly 19, 2025

What would happen to the base pairing of DNA if we removed the van der Waals dispersion forces? Click on the VIEW IMAGE button to get a hint. a) The ladder of DNA would hydrolyze b) There would be no significant change c) The bases would lose their structure d) The double helix would unwind

What would happen to the base pairing of DNA if we removed the van der Waals dispersion forces? Click on the VIEW IMAGE button to get a hint. a) The ladder of DNA would hydrolyze b) There would be no significant change c) The bases would lose their structure d) The double helix would unwind
What would happen to the base pairing of DNA if we removed the van der Waals
dispersion forces?
Click on the VIEW IMAGE button to get a hint.
a) The ladder of DNA would hydrolyze
b) There would be no significant change
c) The bases would lose their structure
d) The double helix would unwind

Solution
4.5(288 votes)

Answer

d) The double helix would unwind Explanation 1. Understand van der Waals forces in DNA Van der Waals forces contribute to the stability of the DNA double helix by providing weak attractions between stacked base pairs. 2. Analyze the effect of removing these forces Removing van der Waals forces would destabilize the stacking interactions, leading to a less stable structure. 3. Determine the consequence on DNA structure Without these forces, the structural integrity of the double helix is compromised, potentially causing it to unwind.

Explanation

1. Understand van der Waals forces in DNA<br /> Van der Waals forces contribute to the stability of the DNA double helix by providing weak attractions between stacked base pairs.<br /><br />2. Analyze the effect of removing these forces<br /> Removing van der Waals forces would destabilize the stacking interactions, leading to a less stable structure.<br /><br />3. Determine the consequence on DNA structure<br /> Without these forces, the structural integrity of the double helix is compromised, potentially causing it to unwind.
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