DNA question

1. Jan 1, 2006

Cryptic89

Hi,

I was doing this question & I just want to make sure I've got it correct:

A quantity of DNA was labelled with radioactive nitrogen. It was then allowed to replicate three times using non radioactive to synthesise the new DNA strands. What proportion of the final mass of DNA would you expect to be radioactive?

OK so is the answer 2/8th?

Last edited: Jan 1, 2006
2. Jan 1, 2006

iansmith

Staff Emeritus

3. Jan 2, 2006

Cryptic89

Hmm...what do you think is the answer then?

4. Jan 2, 2006

iansmith

Staff Emeritus
For each division your total amount of DNA doubles and your radioactive DNA stay the same. Keep in mind that both radioactive and non-radioactive strands are both replicated.

If you do the math, you will get the answer.

5. Jan 3, 2006

Cryptic89

I did the math! At then end of the third replication sequence, you get 8 DNA molecules...of which two strands are radioactive. So naturally you'd expect 2/8th (1/4th) of the final mass of the DNA to be radioactive.

6. Jan 3, 2006

iansmith

Staff Emeritus
You get 16 strands and two are radioactive. 2/16 or 1/8 is the final mass.

Start: 2 strands
After 1 rep: 4 strands
After 2 rep: 8 strands
After 3 rep: 16 strands

7. Jan 3, 2006

Cryptic89

OMG...you're right! I'm sorry I did some mistake in counting! *embarrassed*
Thank you for all the help!