Dna: The Thread Of Life :: essays research papers

deoxyribonucleic acid The Thread of Life     The "thread of life", is deoxyribonucleic acid, other k right awayn as DNA.It is the spiral shaped molecule found in the nucleus of cells. Scientists haveknown since 1952 that DNA is the basic substance of heredity. This washypothesized, and subsequently confirmed by James D. Watson and Francis Crick. Theyalso know that it acts like a biological computer program over 3 billion bits spacious that "spells" out instructions for making the basic building blocks of life.DNA carries the bodies inheritable code, controls the development of an embryo,is capable of duplicating itself, and is able to repair damage to itself. DNA mountain be manipulated to change all kinds of things.     All DNA molecules consist of a linked series of unites callednucleotides. Each DNA nucleotide is composed of 3 subunits a 5 carbon sugarcalled deoxyribose, a phosphate free radical that is joined to one en d of the sugarmolecule, and one of several unalike nitrogenous bases linked to the oppositeend of the deoxyribose. There atomic number 18 4 nitrogen bases called adenine, guanine,thymine, and cytosine. In DNA adenine pairs with thymine and guanine withcytosine.     Medicines faculty to diagnose continues to exceed its ability to treator cure. For example, Huntingtons Chorea is an contractable disease that developsbetween the ages of 30 and 45, can be diagnosed before either symptoms appear.This can be hard for both the individuals with the disease and their family.     There is a 3 billion dollar project underway right now called the HumanGenome Project, a 15 year program to make a detailed map of every single gene in world DNA. With automated cloning equipment to steer scientists through the DNA,scientists are finding clement genes at the rate of to a greater extent than one a day. This maynot sound like very much but as engine room in creases the rate at finding themwill increase. Since January 1993 to January 1994 scientists have located thegenes for Huntingtons disease, Lou Gehrigs disease, and the "bubble-boy"disease. Scientists are expected to find the first breast cancer gene some(prenominal) weeknow.     Even with the best tools of today, the progress is full of surprises.Human DNA is not like that of plants, in which the trait of color of a inflorescence isdetermined by one gene. Even the color of a gentlemans gentleman eye can involve theinteraction of several genes. Some abstruse genes, such as cystic fibrosis, cango wrong in any number of places. Scientists have already accounted for 350places where the cystic fibrosis gene mutates, and more are being uncovered