[aar0n]

if i was to subject these 4 thigns:
chromosomal DNA
plasmid DNA
RNA
and Proteins

to a pH > 11, i know that plasmid and chromosomal as well as protins will denature due to messing with H bonding.  However will RNA denature at pH>11 becuase its not a double strand and thus no H bonding.

Also if i return these back to biological pH woudl they all renature?
ok i think that plamid DNA will renature because it so small, while chromosomla DNA will not renature because it is too long.  But how about RNA or Protins?

[savoy7]

RNA is single stranded, but sometimes folds back on itself.  This occurs because of H-bonding between different bases (intrastrand H-bonding).  NaOH would break this and may cause the RNA to cleave at the phosphate site (by the 2' hydroxyl and 3' phosphodiester).  Because of this RNA, isn't as successful at coming back together.  DNA - doesn't have that hydroxyl group there - deoxy - and therefore can come back together.