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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 1998  > January  >
In the Classroom
Tested Demonstrations
A Simple Demonstration of How Intermolecular Forces Make DNA Helical
Michael F. Bruist
Philadelphia College of Science and Pharmacy, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 600 S. 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4495
Cover
January 1998
Vol. 75 No. 1
p. 53
Abstract
The DNA double helix provides a beautiful and easy to understand example of how intermolecular forces combine to determine macromolecular structure. A simple consideration of hydrogen bonds, dispersion forces, and ionic interactions explains why DNA is most stable as a helix. A model easily made from boxes and string illustrates the principles clearly. I present this demonstration to my general chemistry students after intermolecular forces have been introduced. The model may also be used in more advanced classes to explain how intercalators, such as ethidium bromide, unwind DNA when they wedge between base pairs.
More Information
*  Citation
 Bruist, Michael F. J. Chem. Educ. 1998 75 53.
*  Keywords
 Biochemistry, Nucleic Acids, Intermolecular Forces, Demonstrations, Molecular Properties/Structure, Introductory/High School Chemistry, and Teaching/Learning Aids
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 June 28, 1999
June 23, 2005
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