Multiple Choice
Four species shown below give the percentages of A–T pairings vs G–C pairings. Based on only the information given, which species would have the most significant strength in their base interactions?
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis
Base Pairing
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Cytosine (C) makes up 42% of the nucleotides in a sample of DNA from an organism. Approximately what percentage of the nucleotides in this sample will be thymine (T)?
A
8%
B
16%
C
21%
D
60%
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that in DNA, the amount of cytosine (C) is equal to the amount of guanine (G) due to base pairing rules (C pairs with G).
Since cytosine makes up 42% of the nucleotides, guanine will also make up 42% of the nucleotides.
Calculate the total percentage of nucleotides that are either cytosine or guanine by adding their percentages: 42% (C) + 42% (G) = 84%.
Subtract the combined percentage of cytosine and guanine from 100% to find the percentage of adenine (A) and thymine (T) together: 100% - 84% = 16%.
Since adenine pairs with thymine, the percentage of adenine is equal to the percentage of thymine. Therefore, divide the remaining percentage by 2 to find the percentage of thymine: 16% / 2 = 8%.
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