Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The quick approximation of DNA base composition from absorbancy ratios

  • Published:
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The approximate base composition of pure deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) can be quickly estimated from the absorbancy ratio E260/E280 in 0.1n acetic acid according to the empirical relation % GC=168.6−87.4 (E260/E280), valid in the range 40 to 70% GC (molar per cent guanine ... cytosine). The method is only accurate to within + 3% GC. It can be used when a quick, rough estimate of DNA base composition is required, e.g., to check the correct taxonomic position of new isolates or to give an approximation of the “melting point” Tm or buoyant density of an unknown DNA sample. The method can not be recommended for distinguishing between two genera with closely related % GC values, or for finer distinction within one genus.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • De Ley, J. 1965. DNA base composition ofKlebsiella rubiacearum. Antonie van leeuwenhock31: 203–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Ley, J., Bernaerts, M., Rassel, A. andGuilmot, J. 1966. Approach to an improved taxonomy of the genusAgrobacterium. J. Gen. Microbiol.43: 7–17.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Ley, J. andPark, I. W. 1966. Molecular biological taxonomy of some free-living nitrogenfixing bacteria. Antonie van Lecuwenhock32: 6–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Ley, J., Park, I. W., Tijtgat, R. andvan Ermengem, J. 1966. DNA homology and taxonomy ofPseudomonas andXanthomonas. J. Gen. Microbiol.42: 43–56.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Ley, J. andRassel, A. 1965. DNA base composition, flagellation and taxonomy of the genusRhizobium. J. Gen. Microbiol.41: 85–91.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Ley, J. andSchell, J. 1963. Deoxyribonucleic acid base composition of acetic acid bacteria. J. Gen. Microbiol.33: 243–253.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Ley, J. andvan Muytem, J. 1963. Some applications of deoxyribonucleic acid base composition in bacterial taxonomy. Antonic van Lecuwenhock29: 344–358.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fredfricq, F., Oih, A. andFontaine, F. 1961. The ultraviolet spectrum of deoxyribonucleic acids and their constituents. J. Mol. Biol.3:11–17.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marmur, J. 1961. A procedure for the isolation of deoxyribonucleic acid from micro-organisms. J. Mol. Biol.3: 208–218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marmur, J. andDoty, P. 1962. Determination of the base composition of deoxyribonucleic acid from its thermal denaturation temperature. J. Mol. Biol.5: 109–118.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rosypaiová, A., Boháčik, J. andRosypai, S. 1966. Deoxyribonucleic acid base composition and taxonomy of violct-pigmented cocci. Antonic van Lecuwenhock32: 105–112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schildkraui, C. L., Marmur, J. andDoty, P. 1962. Determination of the base composition of deoxyribonucleic acid from its buoyant density in CsCl. J. Mol. Biol.4: 430–443.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory for Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, State University, Gent, Belgium

    J. De Ley

Authors
  1. J. De Ley
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

De Ley, J. The quick approximation of DNA base composition from absorbancy ratios. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 33, 203–208 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02045552

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02045552

Keywords

Search

Navigation