 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
University Park, Pa. (UPI) May 19, 2011 U.S. scientists say they've achieved a major milestone in the attempt to assemble, in a test tube, entire chromosomes from their component parts. Researchers at Penn State University say discovering the process a cell uses to package the basic building blocks of an organism's entire genetic code is expected to help hasten the search for remedies to many human diseases, a university release reported Thursday. "Our procedure starts with an entire genome of DNA from yeast cells that we propagate through bacteria, then purify," molecular biologist B. Franklin Pugh said. "Next, we add equal parts of pure histones, the protein building blocks of chromosomes. Then we allow the assembly process to begin." The technique will allow scientists to probe experimentally the structure and function of chromosomes and their component genes in ways that were not possible before, the researchers said. "The cell protects chromosomes from the outside environment, including probing scientists," Pugh said. "We now have a way to study the components of the chromosome outside the protective confines of the cell."
Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links Darwin Today At TerraDaily.com
Penguins in peril find refuge in New ZealandChristchurch, New Zealand (AFP) May 20, 2011 "You're a bit grumpy aren't you mate," says conservationist Shirleen Helps as she expertly handles a squawking penguin doing its best to peck her unprotected fingers. The tiny bird, angry at the indignity of being transported in a cat box, was found starving and malnourished at a penguin colony on Helps' property, where the population has fallen dramatically this year as changing weather pat ... read more |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2010 - SpaceDaily. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
Google
Facebook
