Deoxyribonucleic acid, otherwise known as DNA, is the building block of life. For something that everyone has and depends on to define them, DNA is not always well understood by the general public. If you were not paying much attention in high school biology, here is a quick look at DNA
What is DNA?
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. Most every living organism is composed of DNA, which is in the cell nucleus, though some DNA is found in mitochondria as well. DNA contains the basic genetic instructions for the development and functions of organisms, including humans. You can think of DNA as a blueprint, containing the directions and information necessary to build and maintain the organism.
DNA possesses the important property of replication; that is, it can make copies of itself. This means that when every cell divides, it must create an exact copy of DNA.
What happens when DNA is damaged?
DNA damage assays show that DNA is damaged at a regular rate and goes through daily oxidative and cellular stress. However, this damage is generally not extensive enough to cause any acute issues or problems because DNA repair processes have progressed enough to compensate. DNA can be damaged by several sources.
- Ultraviolet rays from the sun can harm DNA.
- Certain plant toxins have a detrimental effect on DNA.
- Other radiation frequencies, like x-rays or gamma rays, can similarly harm DNA.
- Certain internal sources, like reactive oxygen species, can damage DNA from within the body.
Still, intense DNA damage can still take a great toll on the human body and cause several physiological problems.
- Apoptosis (programmed cell death) can also be a result of DNA damage.
- Both direct and indirect DNA damage (i.e. damage from ultraviolet rays) have been attributed to melanoma (skin cancer).
- Continuous oxidative DNA damage can lead to the development of certain types of cancer in the colon, prostate, and breasts.
DNA and Research
DNA is constantly under research in conjunction with other molecular processes. For example, chemotaxis is the migration of cells from one place to another because of certain chemical signals. Chemotaxis is an important process in the progression of cancer and other such diseases. Using chemotaxis assays and DNA, researchers can understand and potentially treat cancer and other diseases.
Adenoviruses, found in human adenoids, cause a variety of diseases and can lead to respiratory, gastrointestinal, and eye infections. However, adenovirus vectors are commonly used by molecular biologists in *in vitro* experiments to inject genetic material into DNA. This is usually used for vaccinations and gene therapy.
DNA is important. We wouldn’t be ourselves without it.