Question 4 of 25beginner💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

Can you think of any difference between DNAs and DNase?

Correct Answer

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a nucleic acid that acts as the genetic material in most organisms. It is a long polymer of nucleotides that stores genetic information and is chemically and structurally stable.

DNase is an enzyme that digests or degrades DNA. In experiments, when DNase was used, it inhibited transformation, proving that DNA was the transforming substance. Unlike DNA which is the hereditary material, DNase is a protein (enzyme) that breaks down DNA.

Exercise: In-text Question (Page 7) | Q: 4 | (Page 7)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The textbook context mentions DNase in the Avery experiment where digestion with DNase inhibited transformation, indicating DNA caused the transformation. The key difference is that DNA is a nucleic acid (genetic material), while DNase is an enzyme (protein) that digests DNA. This is similar to how proteases digest proteins and RNases digest RNA, as mentioned in the context.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify DNA as a nucleic acid and genetic material from the context

  2. Step 2: Identify DNase as a DNA-digesting enzyme that inhibits transformation

  3. Step 3: State the fundamental difference - DNA is the substance (nucleic acid), DNase is the enzyme that breaks it down

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