Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA has been known to play an important role in the cell. Genetic material into the primary constituent biomolecules organism holds the blueprint for all cellular activity.
Researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, United States, has recently created the artificial genetic material that can store the information developed from generation to generation, like DNA, called XNA.
They developed a chemical procedure to change the DNA and RNA (molecule blueprint for all life forms on earth) to six alternative genetic polymer, called XNA. X in this material means xeno.
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| DNA and RNA have been turned into alternative genetic polymers called XNAs by researchers in Cambridge. (Picture from: http://biosingularity.com/) |
The discovery of synthetic DNA is expected to encourage research in medicine and biotechnology. New breakthroughs in the field of genetic engineering can explain how the first molecules to be replicated and assembled in the form of life billions of years ago.
In a more extreme way, the discovery of artificial DNA allows scientists to create new life forms in the laboratory.
The principle of making XNA is by eliminating the molecules deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA and then replaced with another molecule. Somewhat surprisingly, the researchers found XNA to form a double strand (double helix) with DNA. This formation is more stable than the natural genetic material.
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| Scientists moved a step closer to synthesizing new life forms in the laboratory after researchers showed that artificial genetic material called XNA can be replicated in the test tube much like real DNA. (Picture from: http://www.calgaryherald.com/) |
In the journal Science, the researchers also describe how to create one of the XNA strands attached to the protein. With this capability, meaning it has the potential of artificial polymer used as a medicine as well as antibodies.
Philipp Holliger says this study proves that the two factors that mark the edge of life, namely heredity and evolution, can use an alternative genetic material, in addition to course through the natural way.
"There's no doubt about the DNA and RNA," says Holliger. "But there is no functional necessity to use two types of nucleic acid to form a genetic or biological systems." *** [GUARDIAN | MAHARDIKA SATRIA HADI | KORAN TEMPO 3861]
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