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

84. The presence of a negative electrical charge running along the entire outer surface of the DNA double helix is caused by the

A. Alkaline nature of the purine structures
B. Ionized oxygen atoms within the repeating phosphate groups
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C. Hydroxyl groups located on the deoxyribose sugars
D. Hydrogen bonds holding the complementary strands together

📝 Explanation

Each phosphate group in the phosphodiester backbone loses a hydrogen atom at cellular pH, giving the exterior of the DNA a negative charge.

📖 Additional Information

  • Alkaline nature of the purine structures
  • Ionized oxygen atoms within the repeating phosphate groups
  • Hydroxyl groups located on the deoxyribose sugars
  • Hydrogen bonds holding the complementary strands together

Each phosphate group in the phosphodiester backbone loses a hydrogen atom at cellular pH, giving the exterior of the DNA a negative charge.

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