Which of the following equations are true for the percentages of nucleotides in double-stranded DNA?

(A)/(G) = (T)(C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand Chargaff's rules, which state that in double-stranded DNA, the amount of adenine (A) equals the amount of thymine (T), and the amount of guanine (G) equals the amount of cytosine (C). This can be expressed as A = T and G = C.
2. Recognize that Chargaff's rules imply that the ratio of A to T and G to C should be 1:1 in double-stranded DNA.
3. Analyze the given equation (A)/(G) = (T)(C). According to Chargaff's rules, A = T and G = C, so the equation should reflect these equalities.
4. Substitute the known equalities from Chargaff's rules into the equation: since A = T and G = C, the equation becomes (A)/(G) = (A)(G).
5. Evaluate whether the transformed equation (A)/(G) = (A)(G) holds true under the conditions of Chargaff's rules, considering the relationships between the nucleotide pairs.

Key Concepts

Chargaff's Rules

Chargaff's Rules state that in double-stranded DNA, the amount of adenine (A) equals thymine (T), and the amount of guanine (G) equals cytosine (C). This means that A pairs with T and G pairs with C, leading to a specific ratio of nucleotides that is crucial for understanding DNA structure and function.

Base Pairing

Base pairing refers to the specific hydrogen bonding between nucleotide bases in DNA. Adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and guanine pairs with cytosine (G-C). This complementary pairing is fundamental to the double-helix structure of DNA and ensures accurate replication and transcription processes.

Nucleotide Composition

Nucleotide composition in DNA refers to the relative amounts of the four nucleotides: adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. Understanding the composition is essential for analyzing genetic information and can reveal insights into evolutionary relationships and genetic disorders based on variations in nucleotide ratios.