First DNA Molecule Constructed from Mostly Synthetic Components 188
ScienceDaily is reporting that Japanese chemists have created the world's first DNA molecule comprised of almost entirely artificial components. The breakthrough could lead to advances in both medicine and technology, possibly utilizing the massive storage capacity of DNA. "In the new study, Masahiko Inouye and colleagues point out that scientists have tried for years to develop artificial versions of DNA in order to extend its amazing information storage capabilities. As the genetic blueprint of all life forms, DNA uses the same set of four basic building blocks, known as bases, to code for a variety of proteins used in cell functioning and development. Until now, scientists have only been able to craft DNA molecules with one or a few artificial parts, including certain bases."
Whoopee! (Score:1, Interesting)
So in other words we can synthesize a variety of sugars.
We can then take these sugars and string them together.
Just for reference, custom oligo DNA chains have been available for purchase for the last 20 years. This is what makes PCR (DNA fingerprinting for example) work.
I call "pointless" on this demonstration.
Re:Entertaining Theological question... (Score:3, Interesting)
Does this organism have a soul?
Do you (or anyone else) have a soul? Why would a "synthetic" human be any different?
Re:For info storage? Nice idea in theory but... (Score:3, Interesting)
There was article some time where the scientists demonstrated how it was possible to solve the "Travelling salesman problem". Different strands of DNA were constructed to represent the different route segments that were possible and replicated. These were all mixed up together in a container and stirred together. As they were mixed together different strands would join up.
The solution to the problem was the shortest strand that had the starting point and ending point, along with each and every route destination.
Re:Entertaining Theological question... (Score:1, Interesting)
Just wait for Smallpox GPL.
Re:Whoopee! (Score:5, Interesting)
Ummm...that alternate nucleotides were possible was proven 30 years ago. Synthetic DNA was only created 20 years ago.
While the 4 bases used do have some advantages in sysntesis, stability and other effects, tehre is no compelling reason that requiers thoes 4 bases.
I have no idea how this got published...The reason a similar article hadn't been published earlier is because every reputable scientist in the field agrees with you:
Now, I don't really see any immediately obvious applications for this new molecule
This article did nothing to expand our knowledge. It didn't prove anything. All it showed is that the machine they ALREADY had in the lab could do everything the manual they got with it said it could.
BTW, I don't see any responses modded down like you suggested...
Re:Stress on base pairs (Score:3, Interesting)
The latter part is actually far more work then creating this type of 'artificial' DNA I think.
Re:Whoopee! (Score:4, Interesting)
Actually, I made a living for a number of years doing research with PCR.
I sited DNA fingerprinting because it is a process that most people have heard of that uses PCR. Notice I said it was an example. My post was intended for those people WITHOUT advanced degrees in Biology/Chemistry. If you would like to talk about annealing temperatures, extension times, point mutations, hair-pin turns or anything else let me know.
You are also right, DNA is not just sugar. It also includes the base and the phosphate group. However my snide remark is still valid. You are not talking about unusual chemistry. I am willing to bet good money that every component was readily available already.
This team did nothing novel. As you pointed out, there are automated processes to manufacture short chain nucleotide chains. These machines are already capable of including single point mutations of non-typical nucleotides. All they did is fill up the machine with there off the shelf chemicals and hit go. They then re-ran the program but in reverse. When they mixed the two batches together....DNA molecules!
The mystery of "life" (Score:5, Interesting)
It is possible for a very simple "lifeform" with only 54 base pairs [ucr.edu] to be self-reproducing, but only if it is parasitic. Such "lifeforms" exploit the complex and sophisticated DNA machinery of the host to accomplish reproduction.
I found it amazing that the simplest known lifeform that can reproduce independently is the Mycoplasma genitalium bacteria [wikipedia.org], with 582970 base pairs! This probably isn't the simplest one that can theoretically exist - it is hard to imagine the right combination out of 4^582970 appearing at random in the pre-life organic soup - but whatever simpler thing existed before it is a mystery, as well as why none of the simpler forms still exist today (if that is the case).
This has been bugging me for some time, and as far as I can tell no one has a good answer.
Re:Whoopee! (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Whoopee! (Score:3, Interesting)
I work in pharmaceuticals. I am constantly shocked by what random chemicals someone has in stock just sitting there.
Just because you can't buy them from a drug store doesn't mean it isn't readily availible (for the right price)
Re:Whoopee! (Score:4, Interesting)
First: C-Nucleosides are nothing new and are readily availible in catalogues
Second: Life already uses a wide variety of non-coding nucleotides typically created through post synthesis modification. One example of post synthesis modification used to control coding is methylation.
Unfortunetly, Slashdot lack of imagination and narrowmindedness when it comes to anything has lead to an automatic acceptance of everything as "neat." This is an example of wasted research money that did not creat new information and has not lead to any new insights into nature.
Re:Can they use silicon in place of Carbon? (Score:4, Interesting)
Yes...I am still convinced that carbon would rule the roost.
In order for silicon to even remotely compete, Silicon dioxide would have to be gaseous. At the several hundred degree higher temp, large and complex molecules become unstable.
In addition silicon is a larger atom which creates a greater limit on structures than carbon.
Carbon would still be used with Ammonia. Using methane absolutely requires carbon (methane being a hydrocarbon).
There is no known condition in which silicon would be preferable while still allowing for large complex molecules.
I get annoyed when people ignore basic physics and chemistry for their own pet beliefs.
Re:the SAME building blocks?! (Score:3, Interesting)
Thanks.
Re:Whoopee! (Score:2, Interesting)