Question

Calculate the weight of DNA (in grams) contained in the nuclear genome of a human sperm cell. Assume the G/C content is 41%. Show your calculations.

Answer 1

Given that,

G/C content is 41%

ie A/T content is 59%

We know,

Haploid content of DNA in humas is 3.3 x109 base pairs.

1 dalton = 1.67 x 10-24grams

Weight of DNA in daltons = [(%GC X total length)/100] x 618.4 + (100-%GC X total length)/100 x 617.4 + 36

ie [(41 X 3.3 x109)/100] x 618.4  + [(59 X 3.3 x109)/100]X 617.4 + 36

ie (0.41X3.3 x109 X 618.4) + (0.59X 3.3 x109X 617.4) + 36

= (253.544X3.3 x109) + (364.266X 3.3 x109) + 36

= (253.544+364.266+36) x 3.3 x109

= 653.81 x 3.3 x109 daltons (1 dalton = 1.67 x 10-24grams)

= 653.81 X 3.3 X 109 X 1.67 x 10-24

= 3603.14691 x 10-15 grams

= 3603.15 x 10-15 grams