References Chapter 1: Problems Studies of existing cells to determine the minimum number of genes for a living cell have suggested that 206 genes are sufficient. If the ratio of protein-coding genes is the same in this minimal organism as the genes of Escherichia coli (0.980), how many proteins are represented in these 206 genes.

201.88 ≈ 202.

Explanation:

Genes are the functional segment of DNA that are responsible for the phenotype and genotype of the organisms. Different number of genes are present in different organisms.

The number of the genes that are sufficient in the living cell is 206.

The ratio of protein-coding genes in Escherichia coli is 0.98.

Number of proteins = No. of genes * Ratio of protein coding genes.

Number of protein = 206 * 0.98

Number of protein=201.88 ≈ 202.

Thus, the answer is 201.88 ≈ 202.