Answer to Question #72663 in Biochemistry for Maryam Yakubu

Question

A double stranded RNA genome of 500 kbp isolated from a virus in the stool of a child with gastroenteritis was found to contain 35% uracil. Determine the quantity of guanine,adenine and thymine present in this genome.

Answer 1

RNA doesn’t contain any thymine. Uracil in RNA is complementary to adenine and it is an unmethylated form of thymine. Quantity of adenine is equal to quantity of uracil.
U=A=35% (or 350000 bases)
Guanine is complementary to cytosine.
G=C=(100%-U-A)/2=(100%-35%-35%)2=15% (or 150000 bases).