About DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA is a nucleic molecule that containts the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms.

The main role is the long term storage of information and it is often compared to theset of blueprints, DNA contains the biological instructions needed to contruct other components of the cells, such as proteins and RNA molecules.

The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in regulating the use of this genetic information.

Past Breakthroughs

1866 :
Austrian monk, Gregor Mendel established that properties are passed from one generation to the next through his experiments with garden peas.

1869 :
Swiss physician Friedrich Miescher isolated and unknown substance from the nuclei of cells. The gooey substance was called nuclein – which later became known as nuclei acid.

1944 :
Rockefeller Institute scientists Oswald T.Avery, Colin MacLeod and Maclyn McCarty established that DNA controls inherited traits.

1953 :
James Watson and Francis Crick established that the structure of DNA was a double helix.

1966 :
The genetic code was revealed – a sequence of three letters corresponds to each amino acid that makes up a protein molecule.

1990 :
The human genome project (HGP) was launched – an international collaborative effort to sequence the entire human genome.

2003 :
HGP was completed revealing the location of around 30 000 genes. The actual number of genes is still being debated – there could be more genes encoded in the 3 billion letters of human DNA.

Future Applications

Advances in biotechnology has been propelled by growing knowledge about DNA – how it works and what it read – assures a lot of benefits for humankind and the environment. A few examples of applying what we know about DNA :

Inherited Disease Detection
By knowing more about genetic diseases and its DNA code, we can detect the gene causing it.

Relating the Past
This involves the study of organisms and how they are related to each other. DNA work on particular animals allows us to study their roots and origin by comparing its DNA sequences to other related animals. A bit of our history can be revealed too.

Disease and Cures
By knowing the genetic code of disease causing organisms like bacteria and viruses, specific drugs and vaccinations to combat the illness can be developed. Additionally, by studying the human genes involved during disease onset, we are able to counteract damages and predict reactions.

Nature and environmental health
Having a DNA sequence database of a myriad of plants and animals provides us with a library of potentially important proteins and chemicals. Besides the benefit for the health sector, nature and the environment are also in a better situation, especially when it comes to cleaning up wastes and pollution