Re: what is the effect of acid and alkali on chromosomal dna, plasmid dna, rna

Date: Sat Dec 11 12:55:44 2004
Posted By: Dr. Jim Caryl, Research Scientist
Area of science: Biochemistry
ID: 1101975185.Bc

Message:

Hi Nithiya,

You could see if one of my earlier responses to a similar question is suitable. If not, please feel to ask again and include more information of where you interest lies.

[http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2004- 10/1096925547.Mb.r.html]

Thanks

Jim
MAD Scientist

Moderator's Note: The chemical difference between RNA and DNA polymers (the absence of the 2' hydroxyl group) results in differences between the reaction of DNA and RNA to alkaline conditions. Because ribose has both 2' and 3' hydroxyl groups, the 2' hydroxyl can "attack" the phosphodiester bond in the presence of hydroxyl (OH-) radicals, which results in the phosphate backbone being broken. Because DNA does not have a 2' hydroxyl group, DNA polymers cannot undergo this alkaline clevage.

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