- #1
Ahmed Abdullah
- 203
- 3
I want to know what is happening at micro-level, how macroscopic tumbling of the solution can actually break a chemical bond?
Can you explain how vigorous vortex-ing can damage DNA?
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion focuses on the mechanisms by which vigorous vortexing may damage DNA at a micro-level, exploring the forces involved in breaking chemical bonds and the potential effects on both DNA and chromosomal structures. Participants examine the implications of mechanical forces in a fluid environment, considering both theoretical and experimental perspectives.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants inquire about the micro-level processes involved in breaking chemical bonds during vigorous vortexing.
- One participant compares the breaking of DNA to breaking a stick, suggesting a mechanical analogy.
- Questions are raised regarding the forces involved in breaking a DNA strand and whether collision rates and energy levels increase during vortexing.
- It is noted that different parts of the vortex move at varying speeds, which could imply that forces are acting unevenly on the long DNA molecules.
- Concerns are expressed about whether vigorous vortexing could damage the compact structure of chromosomes, which consist of DNA and proteins.
- One participant expresses surprise that vortexing could break any bonds in DNA, questioning if similar mechanisms apply to protein breakage, excluding denaturation caused by foam formation.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the mechanisms or implications of vortexing on DNA and proteins, with multiple competing views and uncertainties remaining in the discussion.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the lack of specific definitions for forces involved, assumptions about the behavior of DNA and proteins under vortexing conditions, and unresolved questions about the extent of damage that may occur.
- #2
Borek
Mentor
- 29,203
- 4,625
Mechanically - it is not different to what happens when you break the stick.
- #3
Ahmed Abdullah
- 203
- 3
In breaking a stick it is easy to see what are the forces and how they are working. what are the forces involved in breaking of a DNA strand by vortexing. Do the collision rate and energy increase during vigorous vortexing of the solution?
- #4
Borek
Mentor
- 29,203
- 4,625
Different parts of the vortex move at different speeds, DNA molecules are quite long, if different parts of the molecule move at different speeds, it means forces acting on the molecule.
- #5
Ahmed Abdullah
- 203
- 3
Borek said:
That make sense.
- #6
Ahmed Abdullah
- 203
- 3
Borek said:
DNA is a very long molecule but it become very small when packaged into chromosome. Chromosome is not only DNA but also protein packaged together. Do you think vigorous vortexing can break compact structure like chromosome? (Vigorous vortexing in usual sense)
- #7
Ahmed Abdullah
- 203
- 3
I am quite surprised that vortexing can break any bond at all. DNA is an extraordinary long molecule .. that's why it is conceivable . Do protein break in this way? Any example of protein breakage by vortex (not denaturing which can occur because of foam formation during vortex-ing).
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