In a major research breakthrough Japanese scientists, Masahiko Inouye and colleagues at the University of Toyama claim that they have successfully created the world’s first DNA molecule made almost entirely of artificial parts. This finding supposedly could lead in improvements of gene therapy, futuristic nano-sized computers, and other high-tech advances, as the researchers were quoted saying.
DNA is commonly known to be double helical structure that holds the blueprints of life and controls what every living organism becomes and how it functions. Some scientists have been trying for years to develop artificial versions of DNA in order to take advantage of its amazing information storage capabilities.
At basic level DNA uses four basic building blocks, known as nitrogenous bases, to code proteins used in cellular function and growth. Other researchers so far have been able to craft DNA molecules with a few artificial parts.
But Masahiko Inouye and colleagues at the University of Toyama, placed together four entirely new artificial bases inside the sugar-based framework of a DNA molecule, creating unusually stable, double-stranded structures resembling natural DNA, they say. The artificial DNA might be applied to a future extra cellular genetic system with information storage and amplifiable abilities.
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