Question

Write short notes on the following: (i) DNA Palindrome (ii) Carrying capacity

Hint:

Understanding DNA palindromes is crucial for DNA analysis and manipulation, while carrying capacity helps in understanding population dynamics.

Answer 1

(i) DNA Palindrome: A DNA palindrome is a sequence of base pairs in double-stranded DNA where the sequence of bases reads the same forward and backward on complementary strands. Palindromes are often recognized by restriction enzymes, which cleave DNA at these sites. Example: 5'–GAATTC–3' (on one strand) 3'–CTTAAG–5' (on the complementary strand) (ii) Carrying Capacity: Carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size that an environment can sustainably support, given the available resources (food, space, etc.). It is determined by factors such as food availability, habitat space, and the presence of predators. Populations that exceed the carrying capacity experience a population crash due to resource depletion.
Final Answer: DNA palindromes are sequences that read the same in both directions on complementary strands, while carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size an environment can support.