A "Googol" Is the Term Given to the Number 10¹⁰⁰

question 18

Essay

A "googol" is the term given to the number 10¹⁰⁰ (that is, the number 1 followed by 100 zeros). Given a double-stranded DNA molecule of length n base pairs, how big does n have to be to yield more than a googol of possible sequences?

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Definitions:

Recombinant Plasmid

A DNA molecule engineered in vitro by joining genetic material from distinct sources, often used in genetic engineering.

Bacterial Colonies

Clusters of bacterial cells that originate from a single mother cell, growing on a solid medium.

Antibiotic

Medicinal compounds used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, utilized in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections.

Chain Termination

A method used in DNA sequencing that involves the selective incorporation of chain-terminating dideoxynucleotides by DNA polymerase.