One strand of a fragment of duplex DNA has the sequence 5'-ATCGACCTGATC-3'.
Is the bond in part (f) a covalent or a noncovalent bond?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of DNA. DNA is composed of two strands that form a double helix. Each strand consists of nucleotides connected by covalent bonds, specifically phosphodiester bonds between the sugar and phosphate groups.
2. Step 2: Recognize the types of bonds in DNA. Covalent bonds are strong bonds that hold the backbone of the DNA together, while noncovalent bonds, such as hydrogen bonds, occur between complementary base pairs (A-T and G-C) to stabilize the double helix.
3. Step 3: Analyze the sequence provided. The sequence 5'-ATCGACCTGATC-3' represents one strand of DNA. To determine the type of bond in part (f), consider whether the bond is part of the backbone (covalent) or between base pairs (noncovalent).
4. Step 4: Recall that phosphodiester bonds are covalent and occur between the 3' hydroxyl group of one nucleotide and the 5' phosphate group of the next nucleotide in the strand. Hydrogen bonds, on the other hand, are noncovalent and occur between the nitrogenous bases of complementary strands.
5. Step 5: Based on the context of the question, identify whether the bond in part (f) is within the backbone (covalent) or between base pairs (noncovalent). Use the definitions and structural understanding of DNA to make this determination.

Key Concepts

Covalent Bonds

Covalent bonds are strong chemical bonds formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. In the context of DNA, covalent bonds link the sugar and phosphate groups of the DNA backbone, creating a stable structure that holds the nucleotides together.

Noncovalent Bonds

Noncovalent bonds are weaker interactions that do not involve the sharing of electrons. In DNA, these include hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs, which stabilize the double helix structure but allow for the strands to separate during processes like replication and transcription.

DNA Structure

DNA is composed of two strands that form a double helix, with each strand made up of nucleotides. The sequence of nucleotides encodes genetic information, and the interactions between covalent and noncovalent bonds are crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the DNA molecule.