Question

The genetic information contained in DNA consists of a linear sequence of coding units, known as codons. Each codon consists of three adjacent DNA nucleotides that correspond to a single amino acid in a protein. The E. coli DNA molecule contains 4.7 x 10^6 base pairs. Determine the number of codons that can be present in this DNA molecule.

Answer 1

The correct answer is - 1.57 × 10⁶ codons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given:

No. of base pairs in E.coli DNA = 4.70 × 10⁶

we know :

1 codon = 3 DNA nucleotides

Solution:

No. of of base pairs in DNA = No. of nucleotides in a single strand

= 4.70 × 10⁶

It must have 1/3 this number of triplet codons

= 4.70 × 10⁶ / 3

= 1.57 × 10⁶ codons.

Thus, the correct answer is - 1.57 × 10⁶ codons.