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First DNA Molecule Constructed from Mostly Synthetic Components
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."
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...
It is possible for a very simple "lifeform" with only 54 base pairs 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, 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.
Dude, _read_ _the_ _fucking_ _article_! Their bases are not the stuff you can buy from the store. Look at the structures, they are not even going to pair with the regular bases. Their iG:iC pair uses DDA (donor, donor, acceptor) sequence of hydrogen bonds instead of ADD in the normal G:C pairs. I'll be surprised if you used similar 'alternate nucleotides' for the 'past 20 years' to 'create random mutations'. There is a practical use for these and is not for making 'random mutations'. Having alternative to DNA and RNA is one of the prerequisites in creating synthetic organisms with different genetics and biochemistry. Imagine starting the the evolution from scratch, or creating microbes for industry that can't exchange genetic information with the rest of the living organisms on earth.