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BIO NMDCAT Biological Importance of Water
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

Regarding the importance of water for macromolecular structure, the hydration shell surrounding a DNA double helix primarily stabilizes the structure by

A. Forming covalent cross-links between adjacent bases
B. Interacting with the negatively charged phosphate backbone and bases in the major and minor grooves
✓
C. Excluding all ions from the vicinity of the helix
D. Preventing the helix from unwinding for replication

📝 Explanation

Water molecules are integral to DNA structure. They form a "spine of hydration" in the minor groove and interact with the charged phosphate backbone, shielding negative charges and stabilizing the B-form of DNA. The hydrophobic effect also drives base stacking.

📖 Additional Information

  • Forming covalent cross-links between adjacent bases
  • Interacting with the negatively charged phosphate backbone and bases in the major and minor grooves
  • Excluding all ions from the vicinity of the helix
  • Preventing the helix from unwinding for replication

Water molecules are integral to DNA structure. They form a "spine of hydration" in the minor groove and interact with the charged phosphate backbone, shielding negative charges and stabilizing the B-form of DNA. The hydrophobic effect also drives base stacking.

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