Question

About 40% of all base pairs in human DNA are GC (thus there is a 40% chance of getting either a G or a Cin any random DNA sequence). Therefore, on average, what is the probability of finding each of the following restriction sites in the human genome? (HINT: to get GCAT means getting G and C and A and T)

a) BamHI sites

GGATCC

b) EcoRI sites

GAATTC

c) Amdl sites

GCNTANGC

Answer 1

The probability of finding a specific restriction site in the human genome can be calculated based on the percentage of the corresponding base pairs. In this case, about 0.02%.

Step-by-step explanation:

The probability of finding a specific restriction site in the human genome can be calculated based on the percentage of the corresponding base pairs. In this case, 40% of all base pairs in human DNA are GC. To find the probability of finding a BamHI site (GGATCC), we need to multiply the probabilities of getting each base in the sequence:

Probability of G: 0.4 x 0.4 = 0.16

Probability of G: 0.4 x 0.4 = 0.16

Probability of A: 0.3 x 0.3 = 0.09

Probability of T: 0.3 x 0.3 = 0.09

Probability of C: 0.4 x 0.4 = 0.16

Therefore, the probability of finding a BamHI site in the human genome is: 0.16 x 0.16 x 0.09 x 0.09 x 0.16 = 0.00019968, or approximately 0.02%