acidity of DNA

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Postictal Raiden

Full Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2008
Messages
5,436
Reaction score
4,042
Could someone explain to me why DNA is acidic?

I know that the phosphate group is responsible for its acidity, but why?

In my reasoning, the phosphate group is negatively charged, so it's an electron rich. Being able to donate electron pairs makes should make it a lewis base. In addition, phosphate has the ability to accept two protons. Why is it an acid?
 
Could someone explain to me why DNA is acidic?

I know that the phosphate group is responsible for its acidity, but why?

In my reasoning, the phosphate group is negatively charged, so it's an electron rich. Being able to donate electron pairs makes should make it a lewis base. In addition, phosphate has the ability to accept two protons. Why is it an acid?

DNA is a derivative of phosphoric acid (one OH remains). this makes it a acid.

if we put DNA in water it will behave like an acid: anion and H+
it is negatively charged at physiological pH.
 
Top