Yes, DNA is negatively charged. This is due to the presence of phosphate groups in the nucleotides that make up DNA. The phosphate backbone of DNA is negatively charged because of the bonds formed between phosphorus and oxygen atoms.
Here are some additional points:
- The negative charge of DNA is important for its function. For example, it allows DNA to interact with positively charged proteins that help to package and regulate DNA.
- The negative charge of DNA is also what makes it possible to use gel electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments by size.
