Ok guys,

The complementary sequence to the follwoing string of nucleotides
5' -GGATCGTAGCCTA-3' is
3' -CCUAGCAUCGGAU-5' right?

Now my question is how frequently would you expect to find the sequence
5' -GGATCGTAGCCTA-3' of nucleotides in a DNA molecule as a result of random chance if each of the four nucleotides occurs with the same frequency?

Thanks guys

I would say it would be 1/4 raised to the 13 power.

I would say it would be 1/4 raised to the 13 power.

klutzy, you making this up . :laugh: No seriously anyone know the answer?

I would say it would be 1/4 raised to the 13 power.

I wonder how you got that answer? :D

well, there are 4 chioces for each nucleic acid, A,C,T,G. So there is a 1 in 4 chance of getting each individual necleic acid. Since the chain is 13 nucleic acids long it would be 1/4*1/4*1/4 etc.... 13 times, hence 1/4 raised to the 13.

It is 1/4^13. I agree.
Is this for your class or something? This would never be on the DAT.

yes, that is correct. if you reason it out... exactly how klutzy explained... you will arrive at the correct answer.