A single nucleotide base in a DNA molecule is held in place by one covalent bond, with
Question:
A single nucleotide base in a DNA molecule is held in place by one covalent bond, with energy approximately 0.60 aJ, and at least two hydrogen bonds, each with energy approximately 0.03 aJ. given that the body temperature is 37°C, the relevant atomic vibration frequency is 1012 Hz, and that all other pre–exponential factors can be set at unity.
A mutation involves the replacement of one nucleotide base by another of the type can be corrected by a suitable enzyme, which clearly must also be able to break the relevant interatomic bonds. Assuming that only one tenth of all degrees of freedom of the atoms in such an (three-dimensional) enzyme are available (i.e. can function cooperatively), calculate the minimum number of atoms the enzyme must be composed of.