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Chapter 10: Problem 17

If the GC content of a DNA molecule is \(60 \%\), what are the molar percentages of the four bases (G, C, T, A)?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: In a DNA molecule with 60% GC content, the molar percentages of the four bases are: - Guanine (G): 30% - Cytosine (C): 30% - Thymine (T): 20% - Adenine (A): 20%

Step by step solution

01

Understand the relationships between the bases in DNA

In a DNA molecule, each base pairs with a complementary base: Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C), and Thymine (T) pairs with Adenine (A). Therefore, the sum of the molar percentages of G and C must be equal to the GC content given, and the sum of the molar percentages of T and A must be equal to the rest of the percentage, which is 100% - GC content.
02

Calculate the sum of molar percentages of T and A

We are given the GC content as 60%. We can now find the sum of the molar percentages of T and A as follows: Sum of T and A molar percentages = 100% - GC content = 100% - 60% = 40%.
03

Divide the sum of molar percentages of G and C equally

Since G pairs with C, their molar percentages should be equal. The GC content is 60%, so we can find the molar percentages of each base by dividing the sum by 2: Molar percentage of G = Molar percentage of C = 60% / 2 = 30%.
04

Divide the sum of molar percentages of T and A equally

Since T pairs with A, their molar percentages should also be equal. The sum of the molar percentages of T and A is 40%, so we can find the molar percentages of each base by dividing the sum by 2: Molar percentage of T = Molar percentage of A = 40% / 2 = 20%.
05

State the molar percentages of all four bases

The molar percentages for the four bases in the given DNA molecule are: - Guanine (G): 30% - Cytosine (C): 30% - Thymine (T): 20% - Adenine (A): 20%

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Why were \(^{32} \mathrm{P}\) and \(^{35} \mathrm{S}\) chosen for use in the Hershey-Chase experiment? Discuss the rationale and conclusions of this experiment.

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What component of the nucleotide is responsible for the absorption of ultraviolet light? How is this technique important in the analysis of nucleic acids?

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