An Overview of DNA

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a nucleic acid that houses the genetic code that is used in the functioning and development of all living things. The purpose of DNA is the permanent storage of genetic information, which is similar to a blueprint design that engineers would use to build a structure. Each organism has its own unique DNA make up. This is how crime scene investigators are able to make positive identifications of criminals when just a sample of blood, saliva, or hair is left behind. The uses of DNA range from forensics to genetic engineering and can be used in the fields of anthropology and history. DNA can be studied in a variety of ways, including the properties, chemical modification, biological functions, interactions with proteins, and its use in technology.

Properties

DNA Base Pairing: A collection of visual diagrams that explains DNA formation.

Antisense Phenomena: A historical look at the development of the sense and antisense theories.

Super coiling: An easy to understand explanation of the physical formation of DNA strands.

Alternative DNA structures: An overview of A-DNA, B-DNA, and Z-DNA formations.

Quadruplex DNA: An examination of sequence, structure, and topology.

Chemical Modification

Oxidative DNA base modifications: A detailed clinical study that examines the effects of redox metabolism in women.

Base modifications and DNA damage: A reading that offers definitions and descriptions for both.

Causes of cancer – DNA damage: Explains the reason behind DNA damage and how the body deals with it.

DNA Repair: Outlines what damages DNA, the types of damage, and how the DNA gets repaired.

Cause of DNA mutations: Diagrams of damaged DNA with explanation to originating factors.

Biological Functions

Chromosomes, DNA, and Genes: A basic introduction to DNA.

The Human Genome: A detailed introduction to the human genome and its purpose.

An Introduction to genes and genomes: Definitions, visual aids, and descriptions of genes and genomes and their purpose.

DNA replication: A guide to the process and significance of DNA replication.

DNA animations: A collections of animations to help teach the processes that DNA goes through.

Interactions with Proteins

DNA Binding Proteins: An informative look at every aspect of DNA binding proteins accompanied by pictures to help with the understanding of the information.

Protein-DNA Interactions: Explanation for common methods of exploring these interactions. The details of limitations and capabilities of each are also discussed.

DNA Modifying Enzymes: Core concepts and topics for separating and joining DNA fragments.

DNA Protein Interactions: Overview of how proteins interact with DNA and how this can be identified.

Protein interactions with DNA: Information pertaining to protein sequence and structure annotation.

Uses in Technology

What is Genetic Engineering: General information and definitions about genetic engineering.

DNA Forensics: This website explains how forensics works and how DNA technologies are used in investigations, among other things.

DNA Nanotechnology: Article about the world’s first gene detection platform and how it could revolutionize the way genes are viewed in a single cell form.

History of Forensic DNA Analysis: A look at the history of technologically focused DNA usage that began in the 1980s.

Anthropology – DNA from an Extinct Human: A resource that tells how DNA leaves us clues from human species that are presently extinct.

Copyright James Fitness Inc. 2009. All rights reserved.