Until recently, chemists were puzzled about the repair of damaged sections of DNA. Observations showed that these ineffective sections were replaced, but no one knew what substance to attribute this phenomenon; they didn't know why it happened. In a laboratory at USC, graduate student Qingfei Jiang found the enzyme RecA (as it is commonly referred to) catalyzed the genetic phenomenon. "It donates one molecule from an alignment of molecules of RecA...along with an energy molecule of ATP and it transfers that over," describes Myron Goodman, Professor of Biological Sciences and Chemistry at USC. It brings a sort of new life to these otherwise dysfunctional pieces of DNA.
The video and story are here.
Posted by Nicole Prince
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I had to watch the video and read the article before I understood how the title related to the story... it's really neat how this enzyme can go in and make damaged sections of DNA work again by donating part of itself. It always amazes me how many new things are being discovered in science every day. I hope that when I get to college, I can become a part of important research like this.
ReplyDeleteAA
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing discovery about DNA.How DNA is ble to be restored using RecA and energy (ATP). Maybe one day scientists will be able to use this on a larger scale. The scientists also said that this process may be used to help organisms survive in the future.
SD
ReplyDeleteI also had to watch the video before I fully understood this process. It is amazing how both new and damaged DNA can be replicated. It is almost like bringing the cell back to life, just by using undamaged parts of itself. The RecA enzyme was definitley the key to this process.
NJ
ReplyDeleteThe discovery of the RecA was a great discovery. It donates a molecule of itself along with an ATP molecule and is transferred to the damaged portion. The RecA serves as a life saver to the damaged cells and brings them back to life.
EF
ReplyDeleteTo understand this, I had to watch the video, too, but it's really interesting how the RecA can repair the damagaged DNA by bringing over ATP and a molecule of itself. Maybe in the future we can better understand this process and apply it to help bones and cuts heal faster. This discovery seems like a really important step in continuing our knowledge of how cells and DNA function.
KS
ReplyDeleteRadiation is on of the biggest culprits in DNA damage. Damage to DNA inhibits its ability to transcribe and encode genes. This discovery shows just how far science has come.
DB
ReplyDeleteI think it's incredible that damaged pieces of DNA can be replaced by functional sections. The process is catalyzed by the enzyme RecA, and uses a molecule of itself, which seems like a huge discovery in science
JH
ReplyDeleteThe discovery of the enzyme RecA is an important tool that scientists can now use in the field of medicine. Although it's natural use is to restore damaged DNA, it could eventually be used to regenerate larger parts of the body, possibly even lost limbs. Sounds like something from a superhero comic book but it could happen.
RM
ReplyDeleteThis incredible process is quite similar to the brain and its placticity. The brain when injured can use its different functions and increase the function of the other parts. This shows how the DNA can be repaired to function properly.
MJ
ReplyDeleteI think it's crazy that people are starting to discover that DNA can be basically replicated. Discoveries like this are one of the many reasons I want to study science of some sort in college.
BP
ReplyDeleteThe discovery of this enzyme(RecA) sounds very important to the future ahead of us. This could be used to help body parts and bones heal faster, and better. While RecA and ATP work together, they accomplish great things for body's cells and parts.
Scottie2hottie
ReplyDeleteThe enzyme RecA that has been newly discovered is quite a feat of scientists. The discovery of this new enzyme could make many old fantasies a reality in the science world. With RecA and ATP working together the possibilities could be endless for the body's cells
Mormon
ReplyDeleteI remember hearing about DNA replication in Bio, and that something searched for damaged sections of DNA to replace them. I didn't know that ATP was responsible for allowing damaged DNA to be repaired.
JK
ReplyDeleteThis discovery of RecA and ATP working together is a major step towards quicker healings of cells from radiation. This will lead to many new solutions in the future.
JPaulmon
ReplyDeleteit's amazing that the enzyme recA can help restore DNA and other things within the cell.
KB
ReplyDeleteI also had to watch the video before I fully understood this process. It is amazing how both new and damaged DNA can be replicated. It is almost like bringing the cell back to life, just by using undamaged parts of itself. The RecA enzyme was definitely the key to this process.