How does DNA Work?
Understanding the building blocks of a structure or material is crucial for comprehending its function and properties. For instance, it is important to understand that proteins, which are at the nanoscale, are objects that carry out critical functions within all living organisms. To understand proteins and their production it is helpful to understand DNA, DNA replication, and protein production. Following is a cursory description of the structure and function of DNA.
DNA exists in the nucleus of all cells and has the information or blueprint in every cell for every protein the body uses. Put another way, every cell in the body has the same DNA, but only uses what it needs. A portion of DNA that is specific to a certain type of protein is called a gene. When the nucleus receives a call that more proteins are needed, the manufacturing of just the right protein begins. The DNA, which is in the form or a double helix, unzips itself, similarly to how you unzip a zipper giving you two separate halves. Now it takes a portion (called a gene) of one side of the DNA and creates a negative of that gene in the form of messenger RNA. The creation of the gene negative is referred to as transcription. The messenger RNA receives the gene negative, which can be looked at as a recipe and ingredients, takes it out of the nucleus to a ribosome, which can be considered the translator of the gene code or factory using the recipe and ingredients. At the ribosome the ingredients are matched with their complimentary ingredients, according to the recipe, to produce the appropriate protein for that gene code.
A plasmid is a DNA molecule that is separate from chromosomal DNA described earlier. This is most often a small double stranded circular form of DNA that carries genes that specify certain characteristics. These genes are what tell the plasmid what type of protein to make when it is expressed. Plasmids occur naturally in bacteria and function as a means for these microorganisms to exchange genes. They live outside of the nucleus and are able to function because of their own genetic structural make up. Plasmids can self-replicate when introduced to a cell; they also can be used as templates to create proteins. When introduced to a cell they replicate and grow creating whatever protein they have a recipe for. The functionality of a plasmid is useful in genetic engineering.
Why do I mention DNA, protein production, and genetic engineering? These are all naturally occurring life processes that scientists and researches in the medical field can now understand and use to accomplish medical feats through manipulating and mimicking processes in Nature.
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