Nucleic Acids: Dische diphenylamine test. DNA and RNA are nucleic acids
made of nucleotide subunits. DNA can be identified chemically with the Dische diphenyl-
amine test. Acidic conditions convert deoxyribose to a molecule that binds with
diphenylamine to form a blue complex. The intensity of the blue color is proportional to
the concentration of DNA. See results below.
Several solutions and their test results for the Dische diphenylamine test are presented in the table:
How does the color compare between tubes 1 and 2? Why?
Do DNA and RNA react alike? Why or why not?
What are the functions of nucleic acids in living organisms?
