Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Replication and division of nuclei and cells

Replication and division of nuclei and cells — practice question

Bacterial cells whose DNA contains only the ‘heavy’ isotope of nitrogen ($^{15}\text{N}$) are then permitted to divide for three generations in a culture medium that contains the normal isotope of nitrogen ($^{14}\text{N}$). What percentage of the DNA molecules formed have strands containing the heavy isotope of nitrogen?

  • Afirst generation 50%, second generation 25%, third generation 12.5%
  • Bfirst generation 75%, second generation 50%, third generation 25%
  • Cfirst generation 100%, second generation 50%, third generation 25%
  • Dfirst generation 100%, second generation 75%, third generation 50%

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