Question

If the length of E. coli DNA is 1.36 mm, then how many base pairs are present in E. coli?

• A. $3.6\times {10}^4$
• B. $3.6\times {10}^6$
• C. $4.0\times {10}^6$
• D. $4.6\times {10}^6$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$4.0\times {10}^6$

The distance between two consecutive base pairs is 0.34x109m, the total length of double helix DNA in an organism can be calculated by multiplying the total number of base pairs with the distance between two consecutive base pairs.

the total length of double helix DNA= total number of base pairs x distance between consecutive base pairs.

1.36 = X x 0.34 x 109

X= 1.36/ 0.34x109

So, the correct option is '4.0x 106'.