Unexpected Forms of Liquid Crystals in Ultrashort DNA Found

Thompson ·In summary, a team of researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Milan has found that ultrashort DNA molecules can form unexpected forms of liquid crystals when submerged in water. This discovery sheds light on how DNA could have replicated before cells evolved, addressing a key step in the emergence of life on Earth.
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wolram
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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071122151148.htm

ScienceDaily (Nov. 23, 2007) — A team led by the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Milan has discovered some unexpected forms of liquid crystals of ultrashort DNA molecules immersed in water, providing a new scenario for a key step in the emergence of life on Earth.
 
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  • #2
I don't quite understand what happened. They put in DNA, liquid crystal, and water, and the DNA fit together sometimes?
 
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I think the point is how DNA could have replicated before cells evolved.
 
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  • #4
But its getting the DNA in the first place that's the hard part...

Garth
 

FAQ: Unexpected Forms of Liquid Crystals in Ultrashort DNA Found

What are liquid crystals?

Liquid crystals are materials that exhibit properties of both liquids and solids. They have a distinct molecular structure that allows them to flow like liquids, but also maintain some degree of order like solids.

How are liquid crystals formed in DNA?

Liquid crystals can form in DNA when it is subjected to ultrashort pulses of light. These pulses cause the DNA to partially unravel and form a liquid crystal phase, which is highly unusual for a biological molecule.

Why is the discovery of liquid crystals in DNA important?

This discovery challenges our understanding of how DNA behaves and opens up new possibilities for manipulating and studying DNA. It also has potential implications for fields such as biotechnology and nanotechnology.

How were these unexpected forms of liquid crystals in DNA found?

Scientists used a technique called femtosecond laser spectroscopy to study the behavior of DNA under ultrashort pulses of light. This allowed them to observe the formation of liquid crystals in real-time.

What are the potential applications of this discovery?

There are many potential applications, including using DNA as a template for creating new materials, developing new methods for studying DNA, and potentially even using liquid crystals in DNA for data storage or sensing applications.

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