A covalently closed circular DNA was in a relaxed state in water at 30 °C. What will happen if the water temperature increases to 60 °C or decreases…
A covalently closed circular DNA was in a relaxed state in water at 30 °C. What will happen if the water temperature increases to 60 °C or decreases to 10 °C?
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
Covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA topology: The linking number(Lk = linking number, Tw = twist, Wr = writhe) is FIXED for ccc DNA. At 30°C relaxed: Lk = Tw(corresponding to ~10.5 bp/turn B-DNA), Wr = 0. Effect of INCREASED temperature (60°C): DNA becomes more underwound (partial melting/unwinding); Tw decreases (fewer bp per turn). Since Lk is fixed, Wr must increase positively to compensate:→ POSITIVE SUPERCOILING. Effect of DECREASED temperature (10°C): DNA winds more tightly (increased bp per turn — like A-DNA-like packing); Tw increases. Since Lk fixed, Wr must decrease:→ NEGATIVE SUPERCOILING. Result: 60°C → positive supercoiling; 10°C → negative supercoiling.