Calculating nucleotide percentages

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In summary, the gene of length 4080 A° has 3120 hydrogen bonds. On one strand, there are 240 nucleotides of adenine and 40% of the total nucleotides are cytosine. This means that there are 960 guanine nucleotides and 240 thymine nucleotides. The total number of nucleotides is 2400, and the sum of hydrogen bonds is 3120. However, the approach given in the conversation is incorrect and may need to be clarified with the source of the question.
  • #1
Medicol
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1. A gene of length 4080 A° has 3120 hydrogen bonds. On one chromatid of one gene, there are 240 nucleotides of adenine, and 40% of total nucleotides are cytosine. Calculate each nucleotide percentage in the gene.

Homework Equations


3. Set L be the length of DNA, so [tex]L=\frac{N}{2}3.4[/tex]
we then have [tex]N=2400[/tex].
Because [tex]C_1=G_2=0.4N=960[/tex]
and [tex]A_1=T_2=240[/tex]
we have [tex]A_2+C_2=1200[/tex]
In a DNA we also have [tex]∑Hbonds=2A+3G=2(A_1+A_2)+3(G_1+G_2)=3120[/tex]
or [tex]480+2A_2+3G_1+2880=3120[/tex]
or [tex]2A_2+3G_1=-240[/tex]

:cry: It's an incorrect approach...:cry:
 
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  • #2
Medicol said:
On one chromatid of one gene, there are 240 nucleotides of adenine, and 40% of total nucleotides are cytosine.
I suspect what the question tried to say here is that one strand of the gene (e.g. the coding strandt) has 240 nt of adenine and 40% of the total nts are cytosine. If that was what the questioner meant, chromatid is the incorrect term to use. I'd double check with whomever was the source of the question, however.
 

1. What is the purpose of calculating nucleotide percentages?

The purpose of calculating nucleotide percentages is to determine the relative abundance of each nucleotide (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine) in a DNA sequence. This information can provide insights into the genetic makeup of an organism and can be used in various research and diagnostic applications.

2. How do you calculate nucleotide percentages?

To calculate nucleotide percentages, you divide the number of occurrences of a specific nucleotide by the total number of nucleotides in the sequence and multiply by 100. This will give you the percentage of that nucleotide in the sequence. For example, if a DNA sequence has 100 nucleotides and 25 of them are adenine, the percentage of adenine would be (25/100) x 100 = 25%.

3. What is the significance of nucleotide percentages?

Nucleotide percentages can provide valuable information about the genetic composition of an organism. They can help identify mutations, genetic variations, and evolutionary relationships between different organisms. In medical research, nucleotide percentages can be used to diagnose genetic disorders and diseases.

4. Can nucleotide percentages vary within a single organism?

Yes, nucleotide percentages can vary within a single organism. This can be due to genetic mutations, environmental factors, or differences in cell types. For example, certain tissues in the body may have a higher percentage of specific nucleotides depending on their function.

5. Are there any limitations to calculating nucleotide percentages?

There are a few limitations to calculating nucleotide percentages. First, the accuracy of the percentages relies on the accuracy of the DNA sequencing method used. Errors in sequencing can lead to incorrect nucleotide percentages. Additionally, nucleotide percentages do not provide information about the arrangement or order of nucleotides in a sequence, which can also be important in understanding genetic information.

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