If 3 molecules of a particular protein were present in an E

If 3 molecules of a particular protein were present in an E. coli cell, what would be the nanomolar concentration of this protein? Assume an E. coli cell to be a cylinder 2.2 micrometers long and 0.93 micrometer in diameter. Report your answer to the nearest tenth of a unit

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to calculate the number of moles of protein in E.coli

Moles=Molecules/Avogadro number= 3 molecules/(6.023x10²³ molecules/mol)=4.98x10^-24 mol

Now calculate the volume of E.coli= r²h= (3.14) (0.93 x10^-6m/2)²(2.2x10^-6 m)=1.49x10^-18m^3=1.49x10^-18 m³x10³L/m³=1.49x10^-15L

Now calculate the concentration of protein=(4.98x10^-24 mol)/(1.49x10^-15L)=3.34x10^-9 or 3.34 nM