How many base -pairs (bp) are found in the haploid genome of humans?

Options

A. `3 xx 10^9`
B. `4 xx 10^8`
C. `7 xx 10^9`
D. `5 xx 10^9`

Answer

To determine how many base pairs (bp) are found in the haploid genome of humans, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Human Genome Size**:
The total length of the human genome is approximately 3 billion base pairs. This is a well-established fact in genetics.

2. **Haploid vs. Diploid Genome**:
Humans have a diploid genome, which means they have two sets of chromosomes (one from each parent). However, the question specifically asks for the haploid genome, which consists of one complete set of chromosomes.

3. **Calculating Haploid Genome Size**:
Since the diploid genome is about 6 billion base pairs (3 billion from each parent), the haploid genome is simply half of that. Therefore, the haploid genome size is approximately 3 billion base pairs.

4. **Expressing in Scientific Notation**:
3 billion can be expressed in scientific notation as \(3 \times 10^9\) base pairs.

5. **Identifying the Correct Option**:
Among the given options:
- 3 x 10^9
- 4 x 10^8
- 7 x 10^9
- 5 x 10^9

The correct answer, which matches our calculation, is \(3 \times 10^9\).

### Final Answer:
The number of base pairs found in the haploid genome of humans is \(3 \times 10^9\) base pairs.

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