DNA viruses have a genetic structure composed of DNA and include single-stranded and double-stranded types. They enter cells and hijack them, forcing them to produce viral material. Treatment includes vaccination and drugs to block viral replication, but developing effective antiviral drugs can be challenging due to the small size of viruses. DNA viruses are infectious […]
DNA sequencing is a process of determining the sequence of nucleotide bases in a DNA molecule. There are several methods, with dideoxynucleotide sequencing being the most popular. The process involves extracting DNA from cells, sequencing it, sorting it by size, and analyzing it with a computer. DNA sequencing is a collection of scientific methods for […]
Sperm DNA fragmentation can cause infertility and miscarriage. It can occur in men of all ages, but the risk increases with age. Male fertility problems can be caused by high rates of sperm DNA fragmentation, which can be caused by exposure to toxins, infections, and smoking. Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation is damage to the […]
Mitochondrial DNA testing shows that all humans descended from a founding group in East Africa around 140,000 years ago. Haplogroups L1, L2, and L3 spread across Africa, with L3 crossing the Red Sea into Yemen and eventually colonizing Europe, Asia, and Australia. A discrete migration occurred at the Bering land bridge, and humans have since […]
DNA tests are used in medical and law enforcement contexts to identify individuals and determine susceptibility to genetic defects and diseases. PCR tests are used for identification, with a match in all 13 areas indicating a positive result. DNA testing is conducted in specialized labs to avoid contamination. Tests that include a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) […]
DNA microarray technology allows scientists to study thousands of genes simultaneously, aiding research into conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and obesity. A DNA microarray consists of a slide with DNA molecules arranged in a specific sequence, allowing scientists to measure gene activity by binding fluorescent dye to mRNA. The brightness of the dye indicates […]
DNA gel electrophoresis separates molecules based on their electrical charge. It is used in forensics, genetics, and biochemistry. Different techniques, such as Southern blotting and zymography, can be used to detect specific nucleotide sequences or biological functions. Gel electrophoresis is commonly used in forensics to determine correlations with available suspects and in genetics to determine […]
Recombinant DNA is created by inserting DNA strands into a different set of DNA, used in genetic modification to create new organisms. It was first developed in the 1970s and is introduced into organisms via a vehicle or through methods like microinjection and biolistics. It is used to introduce specific characteristics into cultures, bacteria, and […]
Junk DNA, or noncoding DNA, may actually have important functions in gene regulation, repair, and evolution. It explains differences in genome size and can contain ultraconserved information. Some sections were once active genes and may play a role in disease inheritance. Junk DNA is DNA that appears to have no discernible function. However, the term […]
Recombinant DNA technology inserts foreign DNA into organisms for genetic study and improvement. Three methods are used: bacterial transformation, non-bacterial transformation, and phage injection. It is not about creating “unnatural” organisms, but obtaining information to improve human health. Recombinant DNA technology comprises a group of methods that insert foreign deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into organisms, both […]
DNA is the genetic material found in all living organisms. Humans share over 99.9% of the same DNA, but the small differences make us unique. DNA testing is used for determining paternity, tracing ancestry, and convicting or exonerating people accused of a crime. A DNA swab is the simplest and most commonly used method of […]
DNA precipitation is a crucial step in isolating and purifying genetic material. Common methods involve adding ethanol, isopropanol, or glycogen to the liquid sample, causing the DNA to solidify and fall to the bottom. A centrifuge is used to separate components, leaving a clear liquid containing genetic material. Chemicals are added to perform DNA precipitation, […]
DNA analysis identifies organisms by analyzing their genetic sequences. Forensic scientists use various techniques, such as PCR and RFLP, to identify individuals and determine paternity. DNA analysis is highly accurate and used for identifying suspects, victims, and animals, as well as determining genetic disease risk. Results can have significant consequences, such as imprisonment or release […]
DNA fingerprinting uses microsatellites to identify individuals for paternity, criminal investigations, and victim identification. It has a high success rate and can be done with any part of the body. However, it can only establish a probability and has legal issues. DNA fingerprinting is a way of identifying a specific individual, rather than simply identifying […]
Blood transfusions of red blood cells or plasma do not change DNA. White blood cells contain DNA, but are usually removed from donated blood. Whole blood transfusions are rare and donor DNA would not survive long enough to affect recipient DNA. Bone marrow transfusions can change DNA. Getting a standard blood transfusion cannot and will […]
A DNA computer uses enzymes to react with DNA strands, causing chain reactions that act as concurrent computation. It can store information and calculate solutions, working with molecular automation. Its potential benefits lie in areas such as nanoscience and nanotechnology, where it could monitor blood and eliminate unwanted chemicals. Although still in early development, experts […]
Base pairs, consisting of nucleotides joined by hydrogen bonds, make up DNA and RNA. Adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G) are the nucleotides that make up an organism’s genetic code. Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine due to their molecular structure. The human genome contains approximately three billion base […]
Genomic DNA is the complete set of genetic data for an organism, found in 46 chromosomes in humans. It can be sequenced to identify variations and understand genetic traits. Bioinformatics is used to analyze and share genome data, and collaboration is important due to the vast size of the genome. Genomic DNA is the DNA […]
DNA is a nucleic acid that encodes genetic material and performs critical functions in all living organisms. Discovered in 1889, its structure was correctly postulated in 2000. Composed of nucleotide chains, it contains four bases critical for reproducing genetic material. Mutagens can cause health problems by altering DNA. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a nucleic acid […]
DNA cloning can create offspring using the genetic material of an individual organism. It occurs naturally in some species and has been artificially attempted in animals. Benefits include maintaining strong genetic traits and producing new life without requiring a male and female. Disadvantages include high expense, preserving genetic weaknesses, and shorter lifespans. Asexual reproduction is […]
