Q. If the distance between two consecutive base pairs is 0.34 nm and the total number of base pairs of a DNA double helix in a typical mammalian cell is 6.6 × 109 bp, then the length of the DNA is approximately
A) 2.0 meters
B) 2.5 meters
C) 2.2 meters
D) 2.7 meters.
Explanation
If the distance between two consecutive base pairs is 0.34 nm i.e., [image:6_image69.wmf] m and the total number of base pairs of a DNA double helix in a typical mammalian cells is [image:6_image70.wmf] bp the length of DNA is calculated by multiplying the total number of base pairs with distance between two consecutive(approx.) base pair i.e., [image:6_image71.wmf] bp = 0.34 nm = 2.2 m
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.