Final answer:
The DNA molecule of Elradicus libanii has approximately 4,722 complete turns of the helix, calculated by dividing its length of 17 micrometers (17,000 nanometers) by the pitch of the helix, which is 3.6 nanometers per turn.
Step-by-step explanation:
The double-stranded DNA molecule of Elradicus libanii measures 17 micrometers in length under electron microscopy. To determine the number of complete turns of the DNA helix, we need to consider the pitch of the helix, which is the distance between successive turns. As per the updated data, each turn of the helix spans 3.6 nanometers (nm).
Firstly, we convert the length of the DNA from micrometers to nanometers (1 micrometer = 1000 nanometers):
- 17 micrometers = 17,000 nanometers
Next, we calculate the number of turns by dividing the total length by the pitch of the helix:
- Number of turns = Total length of the DNA / Pitch of the helix
- Number of turns = 17,000 nm / 3.6 nm per turn
- Number of turns ≈ 4,722.22
Therefore, the DNA molecule of Elradicus libanii has approximately 4,722 complete turns of the helix.