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Multiple Choice
Cytosine (C) makes up 42% of the nucleotides in a sample of DNA from an organism. Approximately what percentage of the nucleotides in this sample will be thymine (T)?
A
8%
B
16%
C
21%
D
60%
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that in DNA, the amount of cytosine (C) is equal to the amount of guanine (G) due to base pairing rules (C pairs with G).
Since cytosine makes up 42% of the nucleotides, guanine will also make up 42% of the nucleotides.
Calculate the total percentage of nucleotides that are either cytosine or guanine by adding their percentages: 42% (C) + 42% (G) = 84%.
Subtract the combined percentage of cytosine and guanine from 100% to find the percentage of adenine (A) and thymine (T) together: 100% - 84% = 16%.
Since adenine pairs with thymine, the percentage of adenine is equal to the percentage of thymine. Therefore, divide the remaining percentage by 2 to find the percentage of thymine: 16% / 2 = 8%.