A DNA fragment of 5000 bp needs to be isolated from
E. coli (genome size 4 × 103 kb) genomic library.
Q.52 The minimum number of independent recombinant clones required
to represent this fragment in a genomic library are:
- (A) 16 × 102
- (B) 12 × 102
- (C) 8 × 102
- (D) 1.25 × 102
Minimum Recombinant Clones for 5000 bp DNA in E. coli Library
Calculating the minimum number of independent recombinant clones ensures a specific DNA fragment appears in a genomic library. This problem involves a 5000 bp fragment from E. coli‘s genome, sized at 4 × 103 kb or 4 × 106 bp.
Correct Answer
(C) 8 × 102
Calculation Method
The basic formula for the minimum clones N is genome size divided by insert size: N = G/f, where G is genome size and f is fragment size. Here, N = 4 × 106/5000 = 800 = 8 × 102. This represents the simplest coverage without probability adjustments.
