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Why Multiply When You're about to Divide?

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
  • Problem
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The best way of approaching the restriction map is to first draw a circle. Next draw on the cutting points for one of the restriction enzymes. Consider the second restriction enzyme and see if you can place the cutting sites such that they are the correct size for both enzymes together, but also satisfy the second enzyme on its own. There may be several possibilities at these points. Use the data for the third restriction enzyme to eliminate all the possibilities bar one.

Note that some restriction maps are not unique, in that the data given may allow more than one valid map to be drawn.

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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