The mouse genome consists of 2,700 Mb. A genomic library is constructed using BAC vectors and overlapping fragments of the mouse genome. The average size of the mouse DNA inserts is 200 kb.
-What is the minimum number of clones that should be in this mouse genomic library to have a 95% chance that it contains the entire genome?
A)2,700
B)13,500
C)54,000
D)135,000

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To cover the entire genome with a 95% probability, the formula used is N = ln(1-P)/ln(1-f), where P is the desired probability (0.95), f is the fraction of the genome in one clone (insert size/genome size), and N is the number of clones needed. Here, f = 200 kb / 2,700,000 kb = 1/13,500. Plugging the values into the formula gives N ≈ 54,000.

The Mouse Genome Consists of 2,700 Mb