Scientists
recently created a life form – using a living bacteria as a
starting point – with two extra letters in the DNA alphabet. The
DNA of all living creatures on earth is made up of four such letters
– the nucleotides A, C, G and T. They pair up – A with T and C
with G – to form DNA “words” that direct protein construction
and the development and maintenance of every living organism. These
scientists added two synthetic nucleotides thus adding two new
letters to the genetic code. They note that this opens up the
possibility of creating new DNA-based “nanomaterials and proteins
with exotic abilities.”
This discovery may
be the hidden sleeper of recent scientific developments. When one
considers that all of life as we know it – and which we have not
even yet discovered all the forms – is built up of long strings of
two-letter genetic words,
adding a new letter – and why stop there – could open up vast vistas of new products and even new life forms. It may give brand
new meaning to “genetically
modified.” Cultures that grow
rather than construct their technology is a common motif in science
fiction. There may be careers out there for those who can write
genetic code as we now write computer code.
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