BIO NMDCAT Structure of DNA
nmdcat.online July 3, 2026

38. The chemical reason why the DNA molecule behaves fundamentally as an acid in cellular solutions is the presence of

A. Alkaline purine rings
B. Highly ionized phosphate groups in the backbone
C. Hydroxyl groups on the deoxyribose sugars
D. Volatile hydrogen bonds between the strands

📝 Explanation

Each phosphate group in the backbone retains a negative charge at physiological pH by releasing a hydrogen ion (H+), acting as an acid.

📖 Additional Information

  • Alkaline purine rings
  • Highly ionized phosphate groups in the backbone
  • Hydroxyl groups on the deoxyribose sugars
  • Volatile hydrogen bonds between the strands

Each phosphate group in the backbone retains a negative charge at physiological pH by releasing a hydrogen ion (H+), acting as an acid.

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