Calculating Fragment Numbers: Biotechnology and Plasmids Explained

In summary, Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria that contain genes for useful traits. They are used in biotechnology to transfer genes and can replicate independently from the bacterial chromosome. Restriction enzymes are used for plasmid manipulation and antibiotic resistance genes are important for identifying bacteria with desired plasmids.
  • #1
LadiesMan
96
0
A piece of linear DNA is 150 000 base pairs in length and it is digested with a restriction enzyme that recognizes a seven-base-pair recognition site. How many fragments do you predict would be produced? Show your calculations.

I would say, 150000bp / 7 = 21428.57 fragments (Weird...)

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
A restriction enzyme cuts the DNA at the recognition site. Not every seven base pairs.
 
  • #3
Hmm, but we don't know how many restriction enzymes are on that linear piece of DNA.
 
  • #4
maybe:

4 nitrogenous pairs each base pair so 4^7 = 16384 (base pairs) then 150000 divide by 16384 which gives us 9.15 so approximately 9 fragments.
 

What are plasmids?

Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria. They contain genes that can provide bacteria with useful traits, such as antibiotic resistance or the ability to produce certain proteins.

How are plasmids used in biotechnology?

Plasmids are used as tools in biotechnology to transfer specific genes into bacterial cells. This allows scientists to manipulate and study genes, as well as produce large quantities of desired proteins.

How are plasmids replicated?

Plasmids replicate independently from the bacterial chromosome. They have their own origin of replication, which allows them to be copied and passed on to daughter cells.

What is the role of restriction enzymes in plasmid manipulation?

Restriction enzymes are used to cut plasmids at specific locations, allowing for the insertion of desired genes. They also prevent the plasmid from recombining with the bacterial chromosome.

What is the significance of antibiotic resistance genes in plasmids?

Plasmids often contain antibiotic resistance genes, which are used as markers to identify bacteria that have successfully taken up the plasmid. This allows scientists to selectively grow and study only the bacteria with the desired plasmid.

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