Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

Name 3. The base ratios of nucleic acids from eight different species in both th

ID: 280204 • Letter: N

Question

Name 3. The base ratios of nucleic acids from eight different species in both the eukaryotes and prokaryotes are presented in the table. A+ TorU G+C A + G C+Tor U Species 3 19 19 31 32 18 U A G 19 19 31 31 19 19 31 2 31 1.00 1.26 25 25 25 32 23 20 1.26 1.00 1.00 1.00 For each species determine if possible with reasons whether its nucleic acid is DNA or RNA and whether it is single or double stranded. Assume that all are possible. If you cannot distinguish between double or single stranded or between DNA and RNA, state so (20 pts.)

Explanation / Answer

Answer

DNA has four basis A G C and T where as RNA has A G C and U

In DNA A pairs with T and C pairs with G

In RNA A pairs with U and C pairs with G

In double stranded RNA/DNA No. of A molecules are equal to No. of T/U molecules and No. of C molecules are equal to No. of G molecuels

A+G is always equal to T/U + C

A+G/T(U) + C = 1

A+T(U)/ G+C is not equal to 1

However, in case of Single stranded DNA or RNA no such rule is found

therefore,

Species 1 has Double Stranded DNA

Species 2 has Double Stranded RNA

Species 3 has Double Stranded DNA

Species 4 has Single Stranded DNA or RNA

Species 5 has Single Stranded DNA

Species 6 has Single Stranded RNA

Species 7 has Double Stranded DNA or RNA

Species 8 has Double Stranded DNA or RNA

For Species 4, 7 and 8 it is not clear whether they have U or T