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Q3:
From what you have learnt, can you tell whether enzymes are bigger or DNA is bigger in molecular size? How did you know?
Solution :
1. Analysis of Molecular Components
To determine the relative molecular size of DNA versus enzymes (which are proteins), we must examine their fundamental structure, composition, and typical molecular weight ranges.
2. Molecular Dimensions of Enzymes
Enzymes are specialized proteins composed of amino acid chains folded into complex tertiary or quaternary structures.
- Molecular Weight: Typical enzymes, such as Lysozyme or Hexokinase, have molecular weights ranging from $10^4$ to $10^6$ Daltons (Da).
- Structural Constraints: Proteins are limited by the genetic information required to code for a single polypeptide chain. A standard enzyme usually consists of 100 to 500 amino acids.
3. Molecular Dimensions of DNA
DNA molecules function as the storage medium for genetic information and are structurally gargantuan compared to individual proteins.
- Molecular Weight: DNA exists in the form of chromosomes. A single human chromosome consists of millions of base pairs.
- Quantitative Comparison: Given that the average molecular weight of a single nucleotide pair is approximately $660 \text{ Da}$, a single gene of $1,000$ base pairs has a mass of $660,000 \text{ Da}$. However, an entire chromosome (e.g., Human Chromosome 1) contains over $240$ million base pairs.
- Calculation: $2.4 \times 10^8 \text{ bp} \times 660 \text{ Da/bp} \approx 1.58 \times 10^{11} \text{ Da}$.
4. Comparative Summary Table
| Attribute | Enzymes (Proteins) | DNA (Genome) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Unit | Amino Acids | Nucleotides |
| Typical Mass | $10^4 - 10^6 \text{ Da}$ | $10^9 - 10^{12} \text{ Da}$ (Chromosomal) |
| Structural State | Folded Polypeptide | Double Helix Polymer |
5. SVG Representation of Scale Difference
6. Logical Conclusion and Evidence
Based on the principle of the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology [Per the Central Dogma: DNA $\rightarrow$ RNA $\rightarrow$ Protein], a single DNA molecule (chromosome) contains the coding information for hundreds to thousands of different proteins (enzymes). Therefore, mathematically and physically, the DNA molecule must be significantly larger than any individual enzyme it encodes. The molecular weight of DNA is orders of magnitude greater than that of enzymes, as DNA acts as the macromolecular scaffold for the entire proteome.
Final Solution: DNA is significantly larger in molecular size than enzymes. This is known because DNA molecules are massive polymers containing the genetic blueprints for thousands of enzymes, whereas enzymes are singular, finite products of specific gene expression.
More Questions from Class 12 Biology Biotechnology: Principles and Processes EXERCISES
- Q1: Can you list 10 recombinant proteins which are used in medical practice? Find out where they are used as therapeutics (use the internet).
- Q1: Can you list 10 recombinant proteins which are used in medical practice? Find out where they are used as therapeutics (use the internet).
- Q2: Make a chart (with diagrammatic representation) showing a restriction enzyme, the substrate DNA on which it acts, the site at which it cuts DNA and the product it produces.
- Q2: Make a chart (with diagrammatic representation) showing a restriction enzyme, the substrate DNA on which it acts, the site at which it cuts DNA and the product it produces.
- Q3: From what you have learnt, can you tell whether enzymes are bigger or DNA is bigger in molecular size? How did you know?
- Q4: What would be the molar concentration of human DNA in a human cell? Consult your teacher.
- Q4: What would be the molar concentration of human DNA in a human cell? Consult your teacher.
- Q5: Do eukaryotic cells have restriction endonucleases? Justify your answer.
- Q5: Do eukaryotic cells have restriction endonucleases? Justify your answer.
- Q6: Besides better aeration and mixing properties, what other advantages do stirred tank bioreactors have over shake flasks?
- Q6: Besides better aeration and mixing properties, what other advantages do stirred tank bioreactors have over shake flasks?
- Q7: Collect 5 examples of palindromic DNA sequences by consulting your teacher. Better try to create a palindromic sequence by following base-pair rules.
- Q7: Collect 5 examples of palindromic DNA sequences by consulting your teacher. Better try to create a palindromic sequence by following base-pair rules.
- Q8: Can you recall meiosis and indicate at what stage a recombinant DNA is made?
- Q8: Can you recall meiosis and indicate at what stage a recombinant DNA is made?
- Q9: Can you think and answer how a reporter enzyme can be used to monitor transformation of host cells by foreign DNA in addition to a selectable marker?
- Q9: Can you think and answer how a reporter enzyme can be used to monitor transformation of host cells by foreign DNA in addition to a selectable marker?
- Q10(a): Describe briefly the following: (a) Origin of replication
- Q10(a): Describe briefly the following: (a) Origin of replication
- Q10(b): Describe briefly the following: (b) Bioreactors
- Q10(b): Describe briefly the following: (b) Bioreactors
- Q10(c): Describe briefly the following: (c) Downstream processing
- Q10(c): Describe briefly the following: (c) Downstream processing
- Q11(a): Explain briefly (a) PCR
- Q11(a): Explain briefly (a) PCR
- Q11(b): Explain briefly (b) Restriction enzymes and DNA
- Q11(b): Explain briefly (b) Restriction enzymes and DNA
- Q11(c): Explain briefly (c) Chitinase
- Q11(c): Explain briefly (c) Chitinase
- Q12(a): Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between (a) Plasmid DNA and Chromosomal DNA
- Q12(a): Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between (a) Plasmid DNA and Chromosomal DNA
- Q12(b): Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between (b) RNA and DNA
- Q12(b): Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between (b) RNA and DNA
- Q12(c): Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between (c) Exonuclease and Endonuclease
- Q12(c): Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between (c) Exonuclease and Endonuclease
CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Biology Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
Chapters in CBSE - Class 12 Biology
- Reproduction in Organisms
- Human Reproduction
- Reproductive Health
- Principles of Inheritance and Variation
- Molecular Basis of Inheritance
- Evolution
- Human Health and Disease
- Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production
- Microbes in Human Welfare
- Biotechnology and Its Applications
- Organisms and Populations
- Ecosystem
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Environmental Issues
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