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Multiple Choice
Chargaff found that in DNA samples, __________.
A
the amount of thymine equals the amount of uracil
B
the amount of guanine equals the amount of thymine
C
the amount of cytosine equals the amount of adenine
D
the amount of adenine equals the amount of thymine
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: Chargaff's rules describe the base pairing in DNA, which is crucial for its double-helix structure. These rules state that the amount of adenine (A) equals the amount of thymine (T), and the amount of cytosine (C) equals the amount of guanine (G). This is due to complementary base pairing.
Recall that DNA is composed of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These bases pair specifically: A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.
Recognize that uracil (U) is not found in DNA; it is present in RNA instead, where it replaces thymine. Therefore, any mention of uracil in the context of DNA is incorrect.
Eliminate incorrect options: The amount of thymine does not equal the amount of uracil because uracil is not part of DNA. Similarly, the amount of guanine does not equal the amount of thymine, and the amount of cytosine does not equal the amount of adenine because these bases do not pair with each other.
Conclude that the correct answer is based on Chargaff's rules: the amount of adenine equals the amount of thymine, which reflects the complementary base pairing in DNA.