A DNA nucleotide pair has an average mass of approximately 660 daltons. Knowing the number of nucleotides in the human genome, how many picograms of DNA are there in a diploid human nucleus? Avogadro's number is 6 × 10²³. Write down the picogram amount without decimals (round the number to the closest integer), e.g. 23 pg.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

There are about 6.4 × 10? nucleotide pairs (np) in a diploid nucleus. The average mass of 660 daltons is equivalent to 660 grams per mole (6 × 10²³) of the nucleotide pairs. Thus, the total mass of nuclear DNA is:
(6.4 × 10? np) × (660 g/mole) / (6 × 10²³ np/mole) = ~7 × 10-¹² g = ~7 pg

A DNA Nucleotide Pair Has an Average Mass of Approximately