Dna Definition and 386 Threads

  1. J

    Paternity DNA Test Results: Odd Findings & Questions

    Hello just reviewed some results for someone and thought it was quite odd. Below I have included an example of what was explained to me. Mother: 17,21 Father: 19,20 "daughter": 19,21 "Son": 17,19 By having the mother tested the "Y" chromosome should be capable of being determined...
  2. H

    Is it possible to bring back dead organisms to life using DNA?

    Suppose we found a perfectly preserved genome of an extinct species (maybe in a amber). Would it be possible to bring back the organism to life. (I know this question resembles Jurassic Park but I'm looking for realistic answers). Like let's say a mosquito or some other blood sucking...
  3. R

    Does synthetic dna give life to a dead cell

    or can synthetic dna give life to a dead cell. i.e when scientist removed genetic material of a cell, didn't the cell died. And when this synthetic genome is injected into the nucleus, it survive. Is this what happened.
  4. F

    Is DNA altered before transcription takes place?

    I though the mRNA was altered and stuff before the final protein product was made, but is DNA also altered because it's like a protection mechanism or something? thanks
  5. nukeman

    Simple Question: Units and volume of DNA - Can't get formula correct?

    Homework Statement Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is thought to be the chemical compound responsible for the process of heredity. A sample of DNA was found to have density 1.10 g/cm3 and its molecular weight was estimated to be 3.04 × 108 g. What is the average volume occupied by one DNA...
  6. P

    Instinctive Behavior and DNA: Exploring the Genetic Basis of Innate Behaviors

    I was wondering how instinct or other forms of 'memory' are encoded in DNA. It seems there is a reservoir of knowledge that is stored in some way. Is this currently explained in genetics?
  7. P

    How does DNA maintain order over time?

    It seems that dna is constantly taking on damage - entropy. Why doesn't this damage accumulate over time? It appears that the amount of genetic damage that should accumulate would significantly outweigh the amount of ordering produced from the basic mechanisms of evolution. How is DNA ordering...
  8. E

    How Does Cis-Platin Affect DNA Replication?

    Before I ask my question, I would like to state that I am not a Biology student. I am actually a Chemistry student who has a small section on Biochemistry in his syllabus. Now, my problem lies with part (ii). Mechloroethamine obviously hold the DNA strands together and prevents the DNA...
  9. N

    DNA agarose gel: one than one chromosome, one band.

    Hello! If I run an agarose gel of undigested DNA of an organism with more than one chromosome, and obtain one band (slightly smeared), what does this mean? The chromosomes aren't all the same length (some might be approximately half the size of others). Is it because they all become...
  10. C

    Searching for a Clear Description of Genes, DNA, and More

    I started reading 'Genome' by Matt Ridley thinking it would answer my questions of what genes, DNA, etc are, but I found myself frustrated with its approach. He only gives a short outline of where chromosomes and genes reside (in nuclei of cells) in the preface but there's no clear explanation...
  11. S

    Bacterial colonies in DNA cloning?

    If there is some identical bacteria in petri dish and you insert plasmids containing different DNA fragemnts. When bacteria that takes it up grows, do they grow in separate colonies. I mean does all bacteria that took plasmid A grow into one colony, and all bacteria that got plasmid B into one...
  12. S

    Sticky ends and blunt ends in DNA cloning?

    1. Ok in the plasmid we used the ECOR1 to create sticky ends. Now my question is when we add DNA ligase, why don't these ends stick back again. How are we able to add new DNA piece in between. Basically what I'm saying is when ECOR 1 creates sticky ends in plamids, why do they separate the...
  13. B

    Mitochondrial DNA and recombination

    Does mtDNA recombine? I've tried doing my own research but I'm getting very mixed responses, from the evidence being strongly against it, right up to it being a well-known phenomenon in yeast. any insight please?
  14. GRB 080319B

    Viruses: Sabotage of Viral DNA Replication

    Does the immune system system or do host cells have any way of sabotaging the DNA of viruses during the lytic cycle, so that even if they do replicate, they are not as effective in replicating as the initial virus? Is there any other way, if apoptosis has been inhibited, for the host cell to...
  15. Simfish

    NASA discovers new lifeform with totally different DNA than anything else

    http://gizmodo.com/5704158/nasa-finds-new-life This might EASILY be the most amazing discovery in several decades, if not a century. Seriously, could anyone's theory have anticipated this discovery? EDIT: Okay it might not be independently evolved from other lifeforms (gizmodo article was too...
  16. S

    Exploring the Macro Topology of DNA

    Hi, I'm more conversant with Physics than Biology, and I think this question may actually apply more to the computer sciences so pls bear with me - DNA is represented as a 'strand', and is analogous with a 'line' of code. Turing envisioned the computing process as two 'infinite' strings...
  17. R

    Which chemical process causes RNA or DNA replication?

    hi, DNA and RNA seem to be very peculiar molecular structures that are able to replicate themselves, and they are unique regarding this point, right?. But which chemical "magical" phenomena is responsible for this ability to reproduce?
  18. N

    Explore Unusual DNA Structures: Hoogsteen Pairs, Hairpin Structures & More!

    i have to fill in the blanks for the following questions using the following choices (some will be used once, others more than once, and others not at all) : z-dna, cruciform structure, mirror repeat, hairpin structure, g-tetraplex, triplex dna, hoogsteen pairs, a-dna, duplex dna, inverted...
  19. A

    Medical Distinguishing Male & Female Skulls: Beyond DNA

    Hi, I am a student of Biomedical Engineering and am new to Biology and ofcourse, to Human Anatomy. I have been studying Human Skull for the last two weeks now and a question kept ticking me throughout. What really is the main difference between a Male Skull and a Female Skull ? ! I...
  20. S

    Resonance of DNA O-H and N-H bonds?

    Hi, I'm trying to figure out if it is possible to induce (hydrogen) bond breakage between DNA base pairs by resonance. Does anyone know if this is possible or even aware of bond breakage in other molecules by similar methods? Thanks!
  21. T

    Exploring the Use of Topology in DNA Structure and Function

    I was wondering if topology has ever been utilized on the structure of DNA and how that applies to its functions? I am assuming that it has as this is one of the most obsessed over molecules in the 21st century. I am interested in this area of topology if it exists. Also I have no previous...
  22. morrobay

    Can DNA Tests Distinguish Between Grandfathers and Their Brothers?

    Can a DNA test differentiate between a females maternal grandfather and maternal grand uncle, the grandfathers brother. And also can a DNA test differentiate between this same females paternal grandfather and paternal grand uncle. In otherwords can this females paternal and maternal...
  23. R

    Need advice on getting genealogical DNA test in the USA

    I was wondering what are some good institutions in the USA (preferably in Connecticut) that give reliable genealogical DNA tests. I am interested in seeing what my heritage is composed of. I'd also like to see if I have Ashkenazic heritage.
  24. Math Is Hard

    Familial DNA leads to Grim Sleeper arrest

    Familial DNA leads to "Grim Sleeper" arrest Peace for the families of the victims; uneasiness for the ACLU. Some interesting food for thought in this article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/09/us/09sleeper.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
  25. S

    What is the Complementary Sequence to 3' GTGAACTGC 5'?

    Homework Statement A DNA strand with the sequence 3' GTGAACTGC 5' is complementary to the sequence Choose one answer. a. 5' GTGAACTGC 3' b. 3' GACGTTACA 5' c. 3' GCAGTTCAC 5' d. 5' GCACTTCAC 3' . Homework Equations 3' GTGAACTGC 5' 5' CACTTGACG 3' The...
  26. S

    Calculating Guanines in a DNA Segment?

    Homework Statement If a double-stranded segment of DNA has been found to have 23 purines and 15 thymines, how many guanines are there? Homework Equations purines are adenine and guanine...adenine and thymine should be equal amounts. So, there are 15 adenines. Out of the 23 purines...
  27. S

    Biology What is the RNA Sequence Transcribed from 3' TTGACGC 5'?

    Homework Statement A portion of DNA has the sequence 3' TTGACGC 5'. The sequence of RNA that is transcribed from this sequence is Choose one answer. a. 3' UUCAGCG 5' b. 5' AACUGCG 3' c. 5' AACTGCG 3' d. 5' GCGUCAA 3' Homework Equations 3' TTGACGC 5' 5'...
  28. B

    UC Berkeley students asked to submit DNA samples

    UC Berkeley students asked to submit DNA samples. Read more in the NewScientist article: http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2010/05/berkeley-student-dna-test.html George Annas at Boston University told the Times: Isn't it a bit creepy? 21st century Big Brother?
  29. L

    Why use bacterial DNA in recombinant DNA tech?

    What makes it suitable for the technology? Why don't we use eukaryotic DNA instead? Is it because of the gene for antibiotic resistance that's characteristic of most types of bacterial plasmids?
  30. L

    DNA being carried by each chromosome

    Hi I'm a little bit confused in terms of the DNA being carried by each chromosome. When the cell is described as 4n in Interphase; with 4 copies of each DNA molecule, does this mean that each chromatid has 1 molecule of DNA? Hence, allowing 2molecules of DNA per chromosome? Also can...
  31. S

    Measuring Mass of DNA Using a Vibrating Cantilever

    Homework Statement It has recently become possible to "weigh" DNA molecules by measuring the influence of their mass on a nano-oscillator. Figure shows a thin rectangular cantilever etched out of silicon (density 2300 {\rm kg/m^3}) with a small gold dot at the end. If pulled down and...
  32. S

    How many DNA strands does a chromosome have?

    Ok this seems like a simple question but when I checked I get so confused. Please use these terms to answer my question. 1 DNA molecule- This means a double helix (2 strands) 1 DNA strand- This means when you break the double helix and one separate strand I thought one chromatid contain 1 DNA...
  33. A

    Do Operons Interfere with DNA Replication?

    How do operons interfere with DNA replication, if at all? I know, for example, that repressors can stop RNA polymerase, keeping a segment from being transcribed, but it's still replicated. How is this? My guesses are: A. The enzymes involved in DNA replication can run right over them. or...
  34. Z

    Distinguishing Left & Right-Handed DNA: A, B, & Z Types

    Hi How do I tell whether the DNA strand is left or right handed? (for some reason I keep getting right handed for all 3 types of DNA even though this shouldn't be right?) and is there any difference between A,b,z DNA BEYond that there is a change in the spacing of bp before a twist? thanks
  35. Q

    How does DNA know when to evolve

    It is proven, populations evolve when they enter a different environment. When you as a half-fish half-amphibia want to explore land you need lungs not gills, your heart and your whole body must evolve to survive in the new environment, No dehydration in the water but pure dehydration in...
  36. S

    Could sponges hold the key to unlocking genetic diversity in other organisms?

    Is it within the realm of possibility for one organism to copy, store, and translate the genetic code of another organism thereby producing a replica or imitation of the organism the genetic code represents and if so would it also be within the realm of possibility for this same organism to...
  37. L

    Can DNA Be Used as a Basis for a Quantum Computer?

    Dear participants and visitors of a forum! Whether it is possible - to create the quantum computer on the basis of DNA?: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070321093451.htm http://divinecosmos.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=365&Itemid=70...
  38. E

    How Much Work Does Motor φ29 Need to Overcome Entropy Loss in DNA Packing?

    Homework Statement Estimate total work that motor \phi29 needs to perform to overcome entropy loss of packing DNA Homework Equations P(R,N)=(3/2\piNa^{2})^{3/2}e^{(-3R^{2})/(2Na^{2}}) This equation gives the end to end distribution or a 3D random walk with N segments length a. The...
  39. S

    So confused with 5' to 3' end of DNA molecule

    Hello everyone, Quick questions. What do they mean by different polarities in anti parallel DNA strands. Are they referring to some chemical polarity or simply the fact they run in opposite directions. I'm confused with DNA replication. DNA polymerase can only synthesize DNA in 5' to 3'...
  40. I

    DNA damage via radiation conversion.

    I've got a bit of a painful question. I'm looking at several different articles that mention radiation damage to DNA quantitatively, but they use vastly different ways of representing this damage. So my question is, is it possible, first of all, to convert between umol/J (micromoles per...
  41. M

    DNA Transcription: Where do genes begin and end?

    Dear all, I'm studying DNA-Protein relationships for a computer simulation I have to make about it and I'm finding it difficult to understand how the RNA polymerase knows where to start and stop transcription on a strand of DNA. Could someone explain this for me? Let's assume that '['...
  42. N

    DNA getting smaller everytime it replicates?

    DNA getting smaller everytime it replicates?? Today in biology class, my teacher said that DNA gets smaller everytime it replicates. He also said that this is the main cause of aging (he said that the "shortening" of DNA ending up chopping off important genes later in life, which led to an...
  43. B

    DNA Question Homework: True/False Statements

    Homework Statement Which of the following are true statements ? a) DNA is composed of a series of necleotides, each of which is made up of a phosphoric acid unit, a sugar unit and a cyclic nitrogen base. b) In DNA the base must be either alanine, threonine, glutamine, or cysteine...
  44. J

    Synthesizing DNA with CPG Solid Support: Maximizing Results

    Automated DNA synthesis was performed using CPG solid support (with the first base already attached) with 10 nmol (=10-9 mol) capacity (meaning you can recover up to 10 nmol of synthetic DNA after the synthesis). Answer the following questions. You synthesized the following sequence...
  45. D

    Running DNA and RNA through agarose gel electrophoresis

    Homework Statement How would you predict for samples of ssDNA and ssRNA (1kb long each) would run on agarose gel electrophoresis? Explain. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution From what i learned, RNA would run faster then DNA since RNA is more compact. Although what...
  46. L

    Do complementary genes move closer on the DNA chain?

    1. I read that each gene has a 50% chance to be transferred to a single gamete. Does the distance between two genes on the same chromosome influence the conditional probability for the second gene to be transferred to the same gamete as the first one? 2. Can the process of reproduction...
  47. G

    DNA Found to Have Impossible Telepathic Properties

    DNA Found to Have "Impossible" Telepathic Properties... You knew I was going to say this. Anyways, very interesting, what do you make of it? Source: Dailygalaxy.com
  48. T

    Ultrasound and Chemical Repair of DNA: Is There Scientific Evidence?

    Is there any SCIENTIFIC evidence of the effect of ultrasound on chemical repair of DNA? As in, is there peer-reviewed research in this? Thanks.
  49. snoopies622

    Are Dogs or Cats More Closely Related: DNA, Fossil Record, and Behavior

    Are people more closely related to dogs or to cats? Based on behavior I would guess dogs, but what does the DNA say? What about the fossil record? Anybody know?
  50. D

    How to Write a C Program for DNA Sequencing?

    Guys I need major help with this assignment to be written in C code. I'm a beginner at this, so please explain what I should do in detail. Thanks! Caveat The solution to this assignment should be a C program necessarily structured as a main function. The problem Suppose a DNA strand...
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