As far as we screw , DNA is the molecule of biography . For a long clip , it was believed that the two strand of genetic material were limit together by the bonds between atomic number 1 atoms in the structure . However , researchers in Sweden do n’t conceive this is the case .
As account in the journalPNAS , the squad from Chalmers University of Technology argue that the molecule of DNA are hydrophobic ( they are rebuff by water ) , so when they are in a water - rich environment , like the interior of a cell , they are pushed together to minimize vulnerability to water system . The atomic number 1 shackle still play a use , but the scientists believe they are involve in sequencing the stand brace rather than holding the two strand together .
The team used a solution of polythene dihydric alcohol to tardily and bit by bit turn the DNA ’s environment from course hydrophilic to hydrophobic . They saw that once the solution is equally hydrophilic and hydrophobic , the DNA speck begin to unravel .
" Cells desire to protect their DNA , and not unwrap it to hydrophobic environments , which can sometimes take harmful molecules , " Bobo Feng , one of the research worker behind the bailiwick , said in astatement . " But at the same prison term , the cells ' desoxyribonucleic acid needs to open up for be used . We believe that the cell keeps its DNA in a water solution most of the metre , but as soon as a cellular phone want to do something with its DNA , like read , copy , or repair it , it peril the desoxyribonucleic acid to a hydrophobic environment . "
It ’s very early day for this research , but the findings check promise for scientists in various labs . The DNA molecule separate for several reason ( such as reproduction and repair ) , so understanding how this happenscould help scientist with their inquiry . For deterrent example , such noesis could be usedto fight off antibiotic - resistant bacterium by dissemble their DNA directly or to tackle genus Cancer cell .
“ To understand cancer , we need to read how DNA repair . To understand that , we first take to understand DNA itself , " say Bobo Feng . " So far , we have not , because we believed that H bonds were what held it together . Now , we have shown that instead , it is the hydrophobic forces which lie behind it . We have also shown that DNA behaves all differently in a hydrophobic environment . This could help us to understand desoxyribonucleic acid , and how it compensate . ”
