The Feulgen reaction identifies which biomolecule?

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Multiple Choice

The Feulgen reaction identifies which biomolecule?

Explanation:
The Feulgen reaction is a stain that specifically detects DNA. It uses acid hydrolysis to create aldehyde groups on the deoxyribose sugar in DNA, and these aldehydes react with Schiff reagent to produce a magenta color. This color development is proportional to the amount of DNA present, allowing visualization and quantification of nuclear DNA (and chromosomal material). RNA, proteins, or lipids don’t form the same aldehyde groups under these conditions, so they don’t give the characteristic Feulgen color. Therefore, the biomolecule identified by the Feulgen reaction is DNA.

The Feulgen reaction is a stain that specifically detects DNA. It uses acid hydrolysis to create aldehyde groups on the deoxyribose sugar in DNA, and these aldehydes react with Schiff reagent to produce a magenta color. This color development is proportional to the amount of DNA present, allowing visualization and quantification of nuclear DNA (and chromosomal material). RNA, proteins, or lipids don’t form the same aldehyde groups under these conditions, so they don’t give the characteristic Feulgen color. Therefore, the biomolecule identified by the Feulgen reaction is DNA.

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