Franklin and Wilkins analyzed DNA by bombarding DNA crystals with X- rays. Their analysis yielded two numbers that sparked interest, 3.4 nm and 0.34 nm. What is the significance of these numbers?
A) These numbers tell us there are 10 rungs, or steps, on the DNA "ladder" for every turn of the helix.
B) DNA molecules are 3.4 nm long and 0.34 nm wide.
C) The 10- to- 1 ratio signifies that DNA molecules are ten times longer than they are wide.
D) It turned out to be just a coincidence.
E) The width of a DNA molecule is 3.4 nm, whereas the width of a nucleotide monomer is 0.34m.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

These numbers correspond to the measurements of the distance between the ladder rungs and the width of the DNA molecule, respectively. The 3.4 nm measurement indicates that there are 10 rungs, or steps, on the DNA "ladder" for every turn of the helix, providing insight into the structure of DNA.

Franklin and Wilkins Analyzed DNA by Bombarding DNA Crystals with X-