The genome of an organism contains 14% guanine; therefore, its genome also contains ____% thymine and ____% cytosine.
A) 86; 14
B) 14; 36
C) 36; 36
D) 14; 86
E) 36; 14

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the DNA of an organism, the amount of guanine (G) is equal to the amount of cytosine (C), and the amount of adenine (A) is equal to the amount of thymine (T). Given that the genome contains 14% guanine, it also contains 14% cytosine. Since G+C+A+T=100%, and G+C=28%, A+T must be 72%. Therefore, the genome contains 36% adenine and 36% thymine, making the correct answer for thymine 36% and for cytosine 14%.

The Genome of an Organism Contains 14% Guanine; Therefore, Its