Artificial DNA Base Structure
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) provides the genetic coding for all forms of life organisms--from a single bacterium to a human person. DNA contains instructions, coded in sequences, for cell division and replication. The base structure of DNA consists of four codes, also known as nucleotides: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) and cytosine (C). DNA sequencing of codes determines an organism’s traits, and scientists have created artificial base structures of sequencing to alter genetic structure and characteristics.
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Creation of Two Artificial Bases—Alpha and Beta
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According to the Future of Things website, researchers at the Scripps Research Institute successfully synthesized the base codes, alpha and beta, which only work in bacteria. In doing so, the team envisions developing more bases, leading to genetic manipulation. Floyd Romesberg, the scientist who led the research team, believes that altering the genetic code of bacteria will enhance the knowledge of producing better medicine and artificial proteins, which form the structure of an organism.
Artificially Made DNA Molecule
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Chemists in Japan have developed four new artificial bases, whereas the natural nucleotides are A, T, G and C. They used advanced technology equipment to put together these codes in the structure of a DNA molecule. The purpose of creating artificial versions of DNA was to enhance the capacity of DNA information storage. Overall, scientists believe that this development could lead to improvement in other fields of science such as nanotechnology and biotechnology.
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Constructing Synthesized DNA Sequence
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According to Life Site News, Craig Venture of the J. Craig Venture Institute engineered the first artificial DNA genetic coding sequence. The researchers used high-tech machines to replicate the genetic coding sequence of a bacterium. This new DNA was later transferred into cells of different bacteria, which reproduced significantly, many times over. Transplanting new artificial DNA coding into a cell can be compared to inserting new software into a cell: Cells become species according to programming instructions.
Genetic Coding System Mimics Evolution
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A team of research scientists at the University of Florida created a DNA molecule with six nucleotides instead of the natural four: A, T, G and C. A technology called protein engineering helped develop an enzyme to accept the artificial DNA. The newly created DNA system was able to copy genetic information--similar to the molecular copying process of evolution. Adding more nucleotides increases the ways DNA codes are assembled, allowing more control of genetic outcome.
Artificial DNA Potentials
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Creating artificial DNA may identify unwanted genetic material in viruses and bacteria. Altering genetic structuring helps scientists understand the ways nature outlines and determines the genetic blueprint of all organisms, from the simple to the complex. Scientists believe this knowledge will improve their abilities to detect defective genetic material and replication of viruses and bacteria as well as in the observation of natural DNA. Hopefully, through deeper understanding of genetics, scientists can correct genetic mistakes responsible for diseases and find substitutes for burning oil and coal, reversing environmental damages.
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References
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences--How Genes Work
- The Future of Things: Scientists Create Synthesized DNA
- Journal of the American Chemical Society: Artificial DNA Made Exclusively of Nonnatural Bases
- Life Site News: U.S. Biologist Creates Controversy with Artificial DNA
- University of Florida News: UF Scientists Create The First Artificial System Capable Of Evolution
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