Question

bacteria and other microbes can be used to " clean up" an oil spill by breaking down oil into carbon dioxide and water.two samples isolated from the deepwater Horizon leak in the Gulf of mexico were labeled A and B.The DNA of each was isolated and the percent thymine measured in each sample.Assume the organisms contain normal double-stranded DNA and predict the composition of the other bases.

-sample A contains 21.1% Thymine

            %A

-sample B contains 27.1% Thymine

           %A

-number

%G

-number

%G

-number

%C

-number

%C

Both samples are then denatured to remove the secondary structure.which will have the higher temperature to denature A or B ?

Answer 1

In sample of A,

As A contain 21.1% adenine, so since A = T = 21.1%

Also, A+T = 42.2 %

Thus, G+C = 57.8 %

So, G = 57.8/2 = 28.9 %

Also, G = C = 28.9 %

In sample of B,

As A contain 27.1% adenine, so since A = T = 27.1%

Also, A+T = 54.2 %

Thus, G+C = 45.8 %

So, G = 57.8/2 = 22.9 %

Also, G = C = 22.9 %

Since, the GC content is more in the sample A i.e. 57.8%. Therefore, the sample A have the higher temperature to denature than B (45.8%).