The double helix DNA structure has been known to hold the chemical code for all life. Recent studies have found that this is not entirely true. Scientist have found four-stranded DNA in human cells. High concentration of quadruplexes have been linked with DNA replication errors such as cancer. Scientist have found a way to stop the quadruplexes from dividing. Therefore, this may be an exciting new way to prevent cancer cells from spreading. However, the four-strand helix is still new information. Scientist are not sure if the quadruplexes have a purpose or if it’s made completely by accident. We still need to do a lot more experiments before anyone can consider using this information to help cancer patients.
The double helix DNA has been engraved into my head so badly that I didn’t even consider that there may be variations to DNA structure. If the quadruplexes do play a big role in cancer development, we may have just discovered a way to attack tumors at their root. We may be years away before we can use this information to our advantage. Also, I don’t believe this may be the final step in curing cancer, but I do think that this may be one more step in the right direction.
No comments:
Post a Comment