1. What is Copy Number Calculation?

The copy number calculation determines the number of DNA molecules in a given volume based on concentration, molecular weight, and volume. It's essential for molecular biology experiments, PCR setup, and DNA quantification.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the copy number formula:

Where:

• \( CN \) — Copy number (dimensionless)
• \( C \) — DNA concentration (g/L)
• \( NA \) — Avogadro's number (6.022 × 10²³ /mol)
• \( V \) — Volume (L)
• \( MW \) — Molecular weight (g/mol)

Explanation: The equation converts mass concentration to molar concentration and then to molecule count using Avogadro's number.

3. Importance of Copy Number Calculation

Details: Accurate copy number determination is crucial for PCR setup, next-generation sequencing library preparation, and quantitative molecular biology experiments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter concentration in g/L, volume in liters, and molecular weight in g/mol. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is Avogadro's number used in this calculation?
A: Avogadro's number converts between moles (mass-based) and individual molecules (count-based).

Q2: How do I determine the molecular weight of my DNA?
A: For double-stranded DNA, MW ≈ (number of base pairs) × 650 g/mol/bp. For single-stranded DNA, use ≈330 g/mol/nt.

Q3: What are typical copy number ranges?
A: For PCR, 10³-10⁶ copies are common. For sequencing libraries, 10⁸-10¹⁰ molecules might be used.

Q4: Can this be used for RNA calculations?
A: Yes, but use RNA molecular weight (≈340 g/mol/nt) and ensure RNA concentration is accurately measured.

Q5: How precise is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, but accuracy depends on the precision of your concentration measurements.