DNAology!Written by Khalil A. Cassimally
The DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a unique molecule. It contains every single piece of genetic information of a person; just like memory card of a PC, which contains all data. The major difference between DNA and memory card of your PC though is that microscopic DNA helix can store more data – actually about a thousand times more. So, scientists have got bright idea of mimicking DNA’s data-storage secrets for use on your PC’s memory card. This will lead to a more compact data processing and storage circuitry.In standard silicon-based chip (which is basic unit of practically any electrical instruments) information processing is limited by distance between units which store and process data. With DNA scaffolding however, interconnections can be made really short so as to increase performance. And that’s what scientists have been working on. The DNA scaffolding is made up of artificial DNA ‘tiles’ that automatically join together in a predetermined pattern. The so-formed molecular fabric has many strands. These DNA strands will clip to nanocomponents coated with matching DNA strands. The nanocomponents could be metallic particles that can store or process data in form of an electric and magnetic state or they could simply be organic molecules.
| | Programmed lifeWritten by Khalil A. Cassimally
Does aging happen by chance? Is aging breaking down of an organism till latter eventually stops working?According to Valter Longo’s latest research, which was published in September 27 edition of Journal of Cell Biology, aging is a programmed process. For Longo’s part, aging is supposed to ensure premature death of majority of a population. The dead will then consequently provide nutrients for sake of a few individuals who have acquired genetic mutations. (Think of yeast rather than big complex mammals.) These mutants are more adapted to their environment than other ‘normal’ organisms. Therefore these ‘sacrificial’ deaths increase chances of reproduction of mutants as latter will have more nutrients to feed on. Now Charles Darwin may not be very happy with Longo’s theory. Darwin’s natural selection happens at individual level. The better suited to its environment an organism is, more probable that it will reproduce. This ensures that species changes or evolves over time as such type of reproduction brings genetic changes to offsprings. This makes offsprings more adapted to their ever-changing environment. Longo’s theory however rests on group selection theory. Many scientists think that this theory is incorrect. The latter proposes that selection happens not at individual level but at group level instead.
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