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Molecular Basis Of Inheritance

Question
CBSEENBI12002437

In sea Urchin DNA, which is double stranded, 17% of the bases were shown to be cytosine. The percentages of the other three bases expected to be present in this DNA are:

  • G 34%, A 24.5%, T 24.5%

  • G 17%, A 16.5%, T 32.5%

  • G 17%, A 33%, T 33%

  • G 8.5%, A 50%, T 24.5%

Solution

C.

G 17%, A 33%, T 33%

Charagaff's rule states that purine and pyrimidine base paires are present in equal amount, i.e. 
A = T,  G = C
               (A + T) = (G + C)
therefore space space space space fraction numerator straight A plus straight T over denominator straight G plus straight C end fraction space equals space 1
Cytosine  =  17%
If A+G+C+T = 100 and G = C, A = T then
A+17+7+T = 100
therefore              G = 17%
            A + T + 34 = 100
            A + T = 100 - 34
             A + T = 66
                 A = T = 33% = 66
Hence, if cytosine is 17%, then G = 17% A and T will be 33% each.