Final answer:
The absorbance values of pure double-stranded DNA and single-stranded DNA at 260 nm can be used to calculate the concentration of the sample by using the Beer-Lambert law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The absorbance values of pure double-stranded DNA and single-stranded DNA at 260 nm can be used to calculate the concentration of the sample by using the Beer-Lambert law, which states that the absorbance of a sample is directly proportional to the concentration of the absorbing substance. The formula for using absorbance to calculate concentration is A = εcl, where A is the absorbance, ε is the molar absorptivity, c is the concentration, and l is the path length. By measuring the absorbance at 260 nm and knowing the molar absorptivity for double-stranded DNA and single-stranded DNA, you can calculate the concentration of your sample.