Fall 2015

Name__________________________________ ID no. __________________ Rec sec _______

352 Genetics Homework 8 (10 pts)

1. (4 pts) Draw diagrams of the DNA molecules as hypothesized by the Meselson-Stahl

experiment after three generations in 14N medium assuming: (a) conservative, and (b)
semiconservative replication. Use solid lines for 15N-labeled DNA (old strands) and
dotted lines for 14N-labeled DNA (new strands). Also diagram the number and positions
of the bands of DNA that would arise from both possible replication methods as they
would be expected to appear in the centrifuge tubes after density gradient centrifugation.
DNA molecules
Conservative

Centrifuge tubes

Semi-conservative

2. (5 pts) Indicate whether each of the following descriptions about the structure of doublestranded DNA is true or false. If false, explain why.
(a) A+T=G+C

(b) A=G and C=T

(c) A/T=C/G

(d) A+G=C+T

(e) C/A=T/G

3. (1 pt) If the ratio (A + G)/(T+ C) in one strand of DNA is 0.70, what is the (A + G)/(T+ C)
ratio in the complementary strand?