Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 17: Problem 74

Human DNA contains almost twice as much information as is needed to code for all the substances produced in the body. Likewise, the digital data sent from Voyager II contained one redundant bit out of every two bits of information. The Hubble space telescope transmits three redundant bits for every bit of information. How is entropy related to the transmission of information? What do you think is accomplished by having so many redundant bits of information in both DNA and the space probes?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Entropy quantifies the uncertainty or randomness in data, affecting the transmission of information. Redundancy, through the inclusion of additional bits, helps maintain accuracy and reliability in information transmission by detecting and correcting errors. In DNA, redundancy aids in error correction during replication and provides flexibility for adaptation. In space probes like Voyager II and Hubble Space Telescope, redundancy improves the accuracy and reliability of the received data during the long-distance transmission, ensuring precise scientific observations and measurements.

Step by step solution

01

1. Understanding Entropy

Entropy is a measure of the randomness or disorder in a system. In the context of information theory, entropy quantifies the amount of uncertainty involved in predicting the value of a random variable. The more uncertain or random the data, the higher its entropy, and the more information it contains.
02

2. Transmission of information

Information transmission refers to the process of sending data from one location to another, typically through a communication channel. In these situations, the main goal is to ensure that the transmitted information can be accurately and efficiently recovered at the destination. However, during the transmission process, the data may get corrupted due to noise or interference, resulting in errors in the received information.
03

3. Redundancy in information transmission

Redundancy refers to the inclusion of additional bits of information in a communication system to help maintain accuracy and reliability of the transmitted information. Redundant bits do not carry new information, but they enable the detection and correction of errors caused by noise or interference in the transmission process.
04

4. Redundancy in DNA

In the case of human DNA, there is almost twice the amount of information necessary to code for all the required substances. This additional information is redundant, and it serves several purposes: 1. Correction of errors: The redundancy in DNA helps in error detection and correction during replication. This is crucial in maintaining the accuracy of genetic information being passed on to future generations. 2. Flexibility for adaptation: The redundant information in DNA can serve as a backup or buffer in case environmental factors or mutations cause damage to certain sections of the genetic code. This can allow an organism to adapt and survive changing conditions.
05

5. Redundancy in space probes

In the case of the Voyager II and Hubble space telescope probes, redundant bits are added to the transmitted digital data: 1. Voyager II: The probe transmits one redundant bit for every bit of information. This 50% redundancy can improve the accuracy and reliability of the received data by allowing the correction of any errors caused by noise or interference during the long-distance transmission. 2. Hubble Space Telescope: Hubble transmits three redundant bits for every bit of information. This higher redundancy ensures the accuracy and reliability of the received data, which is crucial for the precise scientific observations and measurements conducted by the telescope.
06

6. Conclusion

Entropy is related to the transmission of information by quantifying the amount of uncertainty or randomness in the data. Redundancy plays a significant role in the transmission of information both in DNA and space probes by allowing the correction of errors, providing flexibility for adaptation, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the received data. This helps to maintain the integrity of the genetic code for life and enhance the quality of scientific observations and measurements in space missions.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Predict the sign of \(\Delta S\) for each of the following and explain. a. the evaporation of alcohol b. the freezing of water c. compressing an ideal gas at constant temperature d. dissolving \(\mathrm{NaCl}\) in water

For ammonia \(\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right.\) ), the enthalpy of fusion is \(5.65 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}\) and the entropy of fusion is \(28.9 \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{K} \cdot \mathrm{mol}\). a. Will \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}(s)\) spontaneously melt at \(200 . \mathrm{K}\) ? b. What is the approximate melting point of ammonia?

It is quite common for a solid to change from one structure to another at a temperature below its melting point. For example, sulfur undergoes a phase change from the rhombic crystal structure to the monoclinic crystal form at temperatures above \(95^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). a. Predict the signs of \(\Delta H\) and \(\Delta S\) for the process \(S_{\text {rhcmbic }} \longrightarrow\) \(\mathrm{S}_{\text {monoclinic }}\) b. Which form of sulfur has the more ordered crystalline structure (has the smaller positional probability)?

Consider the reaction $$2 \mathrm{O}(g) \longrightarrow \mathrm{O}_{2}(g)$$ a. Predict the signs of \(\Delta H\) and \(\Delta S\). b. Would the reaction be more spontaneous at high or low temperatures?

List three different ways to calculate the standard free energy change, \(\Delta G^{\circ}\), for a reaction at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). How is \(\Delta G^{\circ}\) estimated at temperatures other than \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) ? What assumptions are made?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free