Abstract
THE reaction of a solution of DNA with an alkylating agent such as dimethyl sulphate results in the production of acid as the alkylating agent is hydrolysed by water. To maintain the solution at a constant pH, the liberated acid must be neutralized by the continuous addition of alkali or the reaction must be carried out in a concentrated buffer solution. Here we show that the continuous addition of acid or alkali to maintain a DNA solution at pH 7.0 results in the irreversible denaturation of DNA.
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UHLENHOPP, E., KRASNA, A. Denaturation of DNA at pH 7.0 by Acid and Alkali. Nature 223, 1267–1269 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1038/2231267a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/2231267a0
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