Singly charged?

[JJaX]

I have a problem where I'm trying to figure out the spring constant of a DNA molecule whose ends become "singly ionized" and so it contracts. The only problem is, I don't know what the question means by "singly charged." I would assume that it means that each side assumes opposite charges with a magnetude of the elemenary charge, but I'm not sure. I'll include the exact wording of the question if that helps:

A molecule of DNA is 2.17 micrometers long. The ends of the molecule become singly ionized--negative on one end and positive on the other. The helical molecule acts like a spring and compresses by 1.00% upon becoming charged. Determine the spring constant of the molecule.

[gnome]

I think your interpretation is correct.

Of course, that's no guarantee. :)

[turin]

I second the motion.