Artificial DNA
- Lilly Chu & Sophia Ng
- Dec 18, 2023
- 3 min read
What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid, more commonly known as DNA, is the backbone of all living things, comparable to the fundamental blueprint mapping out an organism. Made of phosphates, nitrogen, and sugar, DNA determines the physical factors an organism is born with, often dictating its ability to survive in its given environment. Everything from a finch’s capacity to break open a seed to the size of a lion’s mane is determined by the small nucleotide bases that make up DNA. In the human body, DNA takes on a less critical role in survival, yet is still responsible for “coding” different physical features. Typically, genetic material is inherited randomly from an individual’s parents, causing some individuals to have their “mother’s eyes” or their “father’s nose.” Humans contain such high quantities of DNA coding for different parts of their body that if it were all stretched out and connected at the ends, there would be approximately enough for 150,000 round trips to the moon (Toledo & Saltsman, 2012).
DNA lives in the nucleus of cells. However, in order to maintain the health of the human body, cells are constantly regenerating, DNA included. In the replication process, errors in DNA base sequences can manifest in a wide variety of ways, whether it be a harmless change in hair color to the development of a deadly blood disease. As the world industrializes, genetic errors become more common as pollution and unhealthy environments disrupt a cell’s ability to replicate DNA.
What is Artificial DNA?
Recently, scientists have discovered methods of creating Artificial DNA that is both implanted directly into humans and used to safely test biological hypotheses without harming living beings. Instead of using natural DNA made of nucleotides produced by the body, scientists synthesize phosphoramidite using complex chemical reactions involving either diisopropylchlorophsophoramidite or tetraisopropylphosphorodiamidite, compounds first developed by American biochemist Marvin Caruthers in 1981 (Sandahl et al., 2021). With these artificial nucleosides, scientists are then able to create artificial oligonucleotides used to build the typical DNA sequences seen in the body. In terms of determining the actual sequences of bases, scientists rely on the aid of computer software and rigorous trial-and-error methodologies (Hughes & Ellington, 2017).
Especially for individuals with genetic disorders, artificial DNA is often a life-saving solution to help repair or replace damaged DNA. Imagine if the blueprints of a building had a hole in the middle, preventing the architects from properly understanding how to build the center of the house, and causing them to risk structural integrity. The insertion of artificial DNA is like patching the blueprints with another piece of paper containing the missing instructions. It gives the builder, in this case, the body, the instructions necessary to continue building. Much like how the building will be structurally sound now, the body can similarly function healthily.
It’s important to note that artificial DNA has its own slew of risks. When improperly applied, artificial DNA can cause more issues than benefits as the body overproduces or underproduces a necessary chemical. However, with proper regulation and supervision, it can also be a vital tool to ensure the health of humans.
Recent Breakthroughs
Targeting Cancer Cells with Artificial DNA:
One recent breakthrough in the field of synthetic biology reveals artificial DNA structures designed to revolutionize cancer treatment. Fitted with antibodies, these engineered synthetic DNA molecules aim to target and destroy cancer cells. This cutting-edge research focuses on the meticulous design of artificial DNA structures capable of recognizing and binding to specific markers on the surface of cancer cells (News Medical). Thus, this binding allows for the precise destruction of cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This selective targeting mechanism enables synthetic DNA to offer a highly targeted and effective approach to cancer treatments, which are more personalized and less invasive.
Synthetic Yeast Project Unveils Cells with 50% Artificial DNA:
Another groundbreaking project revealed cells with 50% artificial DNA. The Synthetic Yeast Project showcases the potential to engineer living organisms with a substantial portion of their genetic material originating from synthetic sources. Scientists leading the Synthetic Yeast Project have accomplished replacing half of the natural yeast's DNA with synthetic genetic material (Science.org). This artificial DNA not only successfully integrates into the yeast's genome but also demonstrates the possibility of creating organisms with a significant proportion of their genetic code derived from laboratory-engineered sources.
The unveiling of cells with 50% artificial DNA opens up new possibilities for synthetic biology, offering insights into the potential of redesigning living organisms for various applications. This achievement could lead to organisms with customized functionalities, enabling scientists to tailor genetic traits for specific purposes, from industrial applications to environmental remediation.
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