When either pure DNA or RNA is isolated from a cell the nucl

When either pure DNA or RNA is isolated from a cell, the nucleic acid is expected to have a net electrochemical charge (i.e. either positive or negative) due to the nature of the chemical bonds that connect the various atoms of the components of the nucleotides and the polynucleotide strand.

1)What is the expected net electrochemical charge of either pure DNA or RNA?

2)What component of the nucleotide and polynucleotide determined the net electrochemical charge of a strand of nucleic acid?

Solution

Answer

1. Net electrochemical charge of either pure DNA or RNA is Nagative

2. The phosphate backbone of the DNA (and RNA) molecule imparts negative charge to the DNA or RNA molecule