What would be the molar concentration of DNA in a normal human cell?

To determine the molar concentration of DNA in a normal human cell, we need to consider the amount of DNA present in a cell and its molecular weight. However, it is important to note that the molar concentration can vary depending on the cell type and growth stage.

Here is a step-by-step process to estimate the molar concentration of DNA in a typical human cell:

1. Determine the amount of DNA in a human cell: On average, a diploid human cell contains approximately 6.4 picograms (pg) of DNA. This value is commonly used as an estimate for the amount of DNA in a single cell.

2. Convert the amount of DNA to moles: To convert picograms to moles, you need to know the molecular weight of DNA. The average molecular weight of a DNA base pair is approximately 660 Daltons.

- Calculate the number of moles: Divide the mass of DNA (in grams) by the molecular weight of DNA (in grams per mole). So, 6.4 pg (1 × 10^-12 g) / 660 g/mol = 9.7 × 10^-15 mol of DNA.

3. Determine the volume of a typical human cell: The volume of a human cell can vary, but for our estimation, we can consider it to be approximately 1 nanoliter (nL) or 1 × 10^-9 liters.

4. Calculate the molar concentration: Divide the number of moles of DNA by the cell volume in liters. So, 9.7 × 10^-15 mol / 1 × 10^-9 L = 9.7 × 10^-6 M (or 9.7 micromolar).

Therefore, the molar concentration of DNA in a typical human cell is estimated to be approximately 9.7 micromolar (μM).

Remember, these values are approximations and can vary depending on various factors, including the specific cell type and growth conditions.