Question:medium

If the base adenine constitutes 31% of an isolated DNA fragment, then write what will be the expected percentage of the base cytosine in it. Explain how did you arrive at the answer given.

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The Chargaff’s rule states that in DNA, the percentage of \(A = T\) and \(C = G\), with the total equalling 100\%.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T). The combined percentage of A and T is \(A + T = 31\% + 31\% = 62\%\). Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G). The combined percentage of C and G is \(C + G = 100\% - (A + T) = 38\%\). Therefore, the percentage of cytosine is \(C = 19\%\).
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