Which best describes the mechanism of OH--mediated denaturation of DNA?
A) OH- disrupts the H-bonding between the nitrogenous bases of opposing DNA strands.
B) OH- hydrolyzes the phosphodiester linkages between nucleotides.
C) The hydroxyl ions attract the unpaired electrons of the amino groups attached to the nitrogenous bases.
D) Alkali tends to increase the melting temperature of DNA.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

OH- disrupts the H-bonding between the nitrogenous bases of opposing DNA strands. This leads to the separation of the two strands of DNA, resulting in denaturation.

Which Best Describes the Mechanism of OH--Mediated Denaturation of DNA