Question

Estimate the following dimensions (give units!)

(a) Distance between the anticodon and acceptor end of transfer RNA

(b) Distance between stacked base-pairs in a DNA double-helix

(c) Width of the approximately flat disc formed by a nucleosome

(d) Length of an E. coli cell

Answer 1

a.

Distance between the anticodon and acceptor end of transfer RNA

75 Angstroms

Anticodon is seen in the anticodon loop and acceptor end carries the aminoacid. The distance between them is approximately 75 angstroms.

1 Angstrom, A0  = 10 -10 M

Answer = 75 A0

b.

Distance between stacked basepairs in a DNA double helix

3 . 4 Angstrom = 0.34 Nanometers

The distance between two base pairs in a DNA double helix is 3 . 4 angstroms. Base pairing is a characteristic of DNA double helix.

1 Angstroms , A0 = 10 -10M

Answer = 3 .4 A0

c.

Width of the approximately flat disc formed by a nucleosome

57 Angstroms

The width of the approximately flat disc formed by nucleosome is 57 angstroms.

Answer = 57 A0

d.

Length of an E.coli cell

2 micrometer = 20000 Angstrom

The length of E. coli cell is approximately 2 micrometers.

1 Micrometer = 10-6 M

Answer = 2 Micrometers