Question

The relative hybrid duplex structure of DNA and RNA is greatly influenced by primary sequence composition. The primary sequence dictates duplex structure and stability, giving DNA a B-type helix, RNA an A-type helix and DNA:RNA a mixed A:B type helix. Based on the structural and thermodynamic study of DNA and RNA duplexes, rationalize which type of hybrid duplexes form the most stable structures and describe experimental methods that can be used to characterize i. duplex stability and ii. duplex structure

Answer 1

1. The stability of the duplexes depends upon primarly on hydrogen bonding and base stacking of the nucleic acids.
2. The main aspect of maintaining an balance in the bonds is to prevent any variation which can will have profound implications on the stability of the duplex structure.
3. There are various physical forms of methods used in understanding the thermodynamic stability of the complex duplex structures which include NMR,UV spectroscopy,X ray crystallographyetc.