The average human chromosome contains about 1 x 108 bp of DNA.(a) If each base pair has a mass of about 660 daltons and there are about 2 g of protein (histones plus nonhistones) per gram of DNA, how much doessuch a chromosome weigh (in grams)?(b) If the DNA were extended, how long would it be?(c) An actual chromosome is about 5 mm long. What is the approximatecompaction ratio?(d) You have about 4 x 1012 cells in your body. If you have 46 chromosomes in each cell, what is the approximate extended length of all of your DNA? For comparison, the distance from the earth to the sun isabout 1.5 x 108 km.

Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1P
icon
Related questions
Topic Video
Question

The average human chromosome contains about 1 x 108 bp of DNA.
(a) If each base pair has a mass of about 660 daltons and there are about 2 g of protein (histones plus nonhistones) per gram of DNA, how much does
such a chromosome weigh (in grams)?
(b) If the DNA were extended, how long would it be?
(c) An actual chromosome is about 5 mm long. What is the approximate
compaction ratio?
(d) You have about 4 x 1012 cells in your body. If you have 46 chromosomes in each cell, what is the approximate extended length of all of your DNA? For comparison, the distance from the earth to the sun is
about 1.5 x 108 km.

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Gene expression
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biochemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781319114671
Author:
Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781464126116
Author:
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781118918401
Author:
Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher:
WILEY
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305961135
Author:
Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Owen M. McDougal
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305577206
Author:
Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9780134015187
Author:
John E. McMurry, David S. Ballantine, Carl A. Hoeger, Virginia E. Peterson
Publisher:
PEARSON