DNA Structural Transition

[mayapartha_1D]

Can anyone explain what exactly a DNA structural transition is? And its significance to thermodynamics?

[Chem_Mod]

A DNA structural transition would be going from a double helix to two separate strands. This would be considered a phase change.

The significance to thermodynamics is that you need to apply heat (+ΔH) by increasing the temperature and are going from a more orderly state to a more disorderly state (+ΔS).

[Roberto Gonzalez 1L]

This is the mechanism by which the body begins the process of transcription/translation and is relevant in terms of its endergonic nature.

[Thomas Gimeno]

This is when the hydrogen bonds which hold the two strands of DNA together break apart. This is an incredibly important function for life as it allows for DNA replication and RNA transcription. It is also an endergonic reaction which needs energy in order to proceed. The reaction is catalyzed by the protein DNA Helicase however this only lowers activation energy.

[Moselle Stieler 3A]

Wow, I never knew that going from a double helix to separate strands was considered a phase change. But I guess it makes sense since heat is added and entropy also increases.