The two strands of the helix-shaped DNA molecule are held | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Physics: Principles with Applications

Chapter 16 Problem 37

Question

(III) The two strands of the helix-shaped DNA molecule are held together by electrostatic forces as shown in Fig. 16-39. Assume that the net average charge (due to electron sharing) indicated on H and N atoms has magnitude \(0.2 e\) and on the indicated C and O atoms is \(0.4 e\). Assume also that atoms on each molecule are separated by \(1.0 \times 10^{-10} \mathrm{~m}\). Estimate the net force between (a) a thymine and an adenine; and (b) a cytosine and a guanine. For each bond (red dots) consider only the three atoms in a line (two atoms on one molecule, one atom on the other). (c) Estimate the total force for a DNA molecule containing \(10^{5}\) pairs of such molecules. Assume half are A-T pairs and half are C-G pairs.

Solution

Step 1 of 6)

The first step in solving 16 problem number 37 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: (III) The two strands of the helix-shaped DNA molecule are held together by electrostatic forces as shown in Fig. 16-39. Assume that the net average charge (due to electron sharing) indicated on H and N atoms has magnitude \(0.2 e\) and on the indicated C and O atoms is \(0.4 e\). Assume also that atoms on each molecule are separated by \(1.0 \times 10^{-10} \mathrm{~m}\). Estimate the net force between (a) a thymine and an adenine; and (b) a cytosine and a guanine. For each bond (red dots) consider only the three atoms in a line (two atoms on one molecule, one atom on the other). (c) Estimate the total force for a DNA molecule containing \(10^{5}\) pairs of such molecules. Assume half are A-T pairs and half are C-G pairs.
From the textbook chapter Electric Charge and Electric Field you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

Step 2 of 7)

Visible to paid subscribers only

Step 3 of 7)

Visible to paid subscribers only

Subscribe to view the
full solution

Title Physics: Principles with Applications 7 
Author Douglas C. Giancoli
ISBN 9780321625922

The two strands of the helix-shaped DNA molecule are held

Chapter 16 textbook questions

×

Login

Organize all study tools for free

Or continue with
×

Register

Sign up for access to all content on our site!

Or continue with

Or login if you already have an account

×

Reset password

If you have an active account we’ll send you an e-mail for password recovery

Or login if you have your password back