Chapter 11, Problem 63QAP

The uncoiling of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a first-order reaction. Its activation energy is 420 kJ. At 37°C, the rate constant is $4.90\times {10}^{-4}{\min }^{-1}$

(a) What is the half-life of the uncoiling at 37°C (normal body temperature)?

(b) What is the half-life of the uncoiling if the organism has a temperature of $40°C\left(\approx 104°\text{F}\right)$?

(c) By what factor does the rate of uncoiling increase (per °C) over this temperature interval?