I think its a silly question to ask here. When I came to this site all I could see were the questions which asked detailed explanation behind a phenomenon and reasoning was there at first place. I am bringing quite math here!!!
First, I am a beginner.
Second, I would like to mention some problems..
Genomic DNA is digested with AIU I, a resrtiction enzyme which is a four base pair cutter. What is the frequency with which it will cut a DNA assuming a random distribution of bases in genome?
Eco RI and Rsa I restriction endonucleases require 6 bp and 4 bp sequences respectively for cleavage. In a 10 kb DNA fragment how many probable cleavage sites are present for these enzymes?
These questions were solved by my teacher using some probability results or rules. I would like to mention it here.. [you know already...!!! ;-)]
(1/4)^n *10,000 or simply (1/4)^n. By putting n = number of base pair cut by enzyme.
I get the frequency with which enzyme will cut a DNA assuming a random distribution of bases in genome by using (1/4)^n and I get probable cleavage sites are present for Eco RI and Rsa I in 10 kb DNA fragment.
But why do I do that? I mean why that formula? How to understand how it was derived? Can you explain me that?
Please suggest some good books containing concepts and numerical problems like these so that I can work on it.. [Please let me know your source]. Thank you.