Can we break the hydrogen bonds in DNA with Phonon?

In summary: Specifically, the short wave length would be useful for heating the water, not breaking the hydrogen bonds.
  • #1
Anand Wilson
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Double stranded DNA are bind with hydrogen bonds in between the nitrogenous bases, Usually we use high temperature for denature,so can we break the hydrogen bonds with phonon because shorter wavelength give rise to heat, weather it is possible to denature the DNA?
 
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  • #2
If you say, use microwaves to heat the water, I suppose you could indirectly use photons to denature DNA. Shorter wavelengths will usually induce DNA damage. For example, UV radiation can change the identity of some of the bases by creating pyrimidine dimers or oxidizing bases. Ionizing radiation, like x-rays or gamma radiation, is capable of causing breaks in the DNA backbone. For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_repair#DNA_damage
 
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  • #3
Are we talking about photons or phonons? I think Anand and Ygggdrasil are on two different wavelengths here (pardon the pun :biggrin:).
 
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  • #4
Ah, ok. I misread the question. Researchers often use sonication to mechanically fragment DNA into smaller pieces, so you might start breaking the DNA backbone before separating the DNA strands.
 
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  • #5
Anand Wilson said:
Double stranded DNA are bind with hydrogen bonds in between the nitrogenous bases, Usually we use high temperature for denature,so can we break the hydrogen bonds with phonon because shorter wavelength give rise to heat, weather it is possible to denature the DNA?

Sure- a single strand break requires (IIRC) about 3 eV, while a double-strand break requires (again, IIRC) 25 eV.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12683817
http://iopscience.iop.org/1742-6596/373/1/012008/pdf/1742-6596_373_1_012008.pdf

From there, you can work out the required sound pressure levels.
 
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Sound pressure??, with high wave length! we can use sound! what about the short wave length if we need heat?
 
  • #7
Anand Wilson said:
Sound pressure??, with high wave length! we can use sound! what about the short wave length if we need heat?

I think you need to read up on some basics- you seem to be mixing up a bunch of concepts.
 

1. Can phonons break the hydrogen bonds in DNA?

No, phonons are not capable of breaking hydrogen bonds in DNA. These bonds are very strong and require a significant amount of energy to break. Phonons, which are vibrations in a crystal lattice, do not possess enough energy to break these bonds.

2. What is the role of hydrogen bonds in DNA?

Hydrogen bonds play a crucial role in the structure and stability of DNA. They hold the two strands of DNA together, forming the famous double helix structure. They also help in maintaining the correct sequence of base pairs, which is essential for accurate replication and protein synthesis.

3. Are there any methods to break hydrogen bonds in DNA?

Yes, there are several methods to break hydrogen bonds in DNA. These include chemical treatments, such as using strong acids or alkalis, and physical methods like high temperature or mechanical force. However, these methods can also damage other parts of the DNA molecule and are not commonly used in scientific research.

4. Can breaking hydrogen bonds in DNA lead to mutations?

Yes, breaking hydrogen bonds in DNA can potentially lead to mutations. If the bonds are broken in the middle of a DNA sequence, the complementary base pair can pair with the wrong base, resulting in a mutation. However, the body has repair mechanisms in place to fix these errors, and mutations caused by hydrogen bond breakage are relatively rare.

5. How do scientists study the effects of breaking hydrogen bonds in DNA?

Scientists use various methods to study the effects of breaking hydrogen bonds in DNA. These include computer simulations, chemical treatments, and physical experiments. They also use techniques such as DNA sequencing and gel electrophoresis to analyze any changes in the DNA structure or sequence after the bonds have been broken.

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