What will happen to DNA if salt is added to it?
**Core Concept**
The denaturation of DNA refers to the process by which it loses its double helix structure and separates into two single strands. This occurs due to the disruption of hydrogen bonds between the base pairs, which are crucial for maintaining the double helix structure.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
When salt is added to DNA, it disrupts the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs, causing the double helix to unwind and separate into two single strands. This is because salt (sodium chloride) increases the ionic strength of the solution, which in turn disrupts the ionic interactions between the negatively charged phosphate groups of the DNA backbone and the positively charged ions in the solution. This leads to the unwinding of the double helix and the separation of the two strands. The process of denaturation is reversible, and the DNA will reform its double helix structure when the salt concentration is reduced.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because adding salt does not cause DNA to degrade into its constituent nucleotides.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because adding salt does not cause DNA to form a triple helix structure.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because adding salt does not cause DNA to undergo a chemical reaction that alters its base composition.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's worth noting that the denaturation of DNA is an important concept in molecular biology, and it has applications in fields such as genetic engineering and forensic science.
**Correct Answer:** C.