Question

If Meselson and Stahl's experiment is continued for sixth generations in bacteria, the ratio of Heavy strands 15N/15N :Hybrid15N/14N : light 14N/14N containing DNA in the sixth generation would be :
A. 1:1:1 B. 0:1:7 C. 0:1:15 D. 0:1:31

Answer 1

Answer:

(D) 0:1:31 is the correct option. The ratio of Heavy strands 15N/15N : Hybrid15N/14N : light 14N/14N containing DNA in the sixth generation will be 0:1:31.

Answer 2

Answer: The ratio of heavy strand: Hybrid strand: Light strand is 0:1:31

Explanation:

• The experiment follows the theory of the semi-conservative nature of DNA.
• After the first division, there will be 100 percent hybrid DNA.
• After the second division, there will be fifty percent light DNA and fifty percent hybrid DNA.
• After the third division, there will be twenty-five percent hybrid DNA and seventy-five percent heavy DNA.
• After the fourth division, there will be eighty-five point seven percent of light DNA and twelve point five percent of hybrid DNA.
• After the fifth division, there would be ninety-three point five percent light DNA and six point two five percent hybrid DNA.
• After the sixth division, there would be no heavy DNA, ninety-six point eight percent of light DNA and the rest hybrid.