Increasing the ion concentration increases the T_m because the ions A) bind to the phosphate groups of the DNA backbone and increase stability. B) bind to the nucleic acids and disrupt the base pairs, decreasing stability. C) increase the base length of the DNA, increasing stability. D) associate with the ribose sugars, decreasing stability.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing the ion concentration can neutralize the negative charges on the phosphate groups of the DNA backbone, which reduces the repulsion between the strands and increases stability. Therefore, ions bind to the phosphate groups of the DNA backbone and increase stability.

Increasing the Ion Concentration Increases the Tm Because the Ions

Increasing the Ion Concentration Increases the T_m Because the Ions