Question

The temperature at which the shift in absorbance is half completed is termed as ___________

(a) melting temperature

(b) denaturation temperature

(c) shifting temperature

(d) absorbance temperature

I had been asked this question during a job interview.

My doubt stems from Genome Structure topic in section Nature of Genome of Cell Biology

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) melting temperature

To elaborate: When the DNA separates into two of its constituent strands. The hydrophobic interactions that result from base stacking are greatly reduced, which changes the electronic nature of the bases and increases their absorbance of ultraviolet radiation. The temperature at which the shift in absorbance is half completed is termed as the melting temperature Tm.