Question

If a restriction site is 6 nucleotides long, what are the chances of finding it in a vector?

(a) Once every 46 base pairs

(b) Once every 64 base pairs

(c) Once every 24 base pairs

(d) Once every 16 base pairs

This question was addressed to me during an online exam.

This intriguing question originated from Vectors topic in section Simple Cloning of Genetic Engineering

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) Once every 46 base pairs

Best explanation: If a restriction site is 6 nucleotides long, the chances for having it in a vector are once in every 46 base pairs. It is so because there are 4 nucleotides which form the DNA and at six positions, they can form 46 combinations.