PNA as a rare genome-cutter
Article Abstract:
New methods for cutting genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strands into pieces between several hundred kilobase pairs (kbp) to a few megabase pairs. A peptide nucleic acid (PNA) 'clamp' that is composed of two predesigned 8-bp sequences of adjoining PNA can bind sequence-specifically to DNA, thus preventing methylation in the binding region. Once the bis-PNA is removed, methylated DNA can be cut by restriction enzymes at the site selected by the PNA clamp. This technique differs from existing methods as the latter often predetermine DNA cutting sites at 20 bp or more.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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RNA seeks its maker
Article Abstract:
Research indicates that RNA may have arisen in the early stages of evolution of life on Earth but not from the very start of it. This theory is supported by the experimental synthesis of ribonucleotides and non-enzymatic replication of RNA in prebiotic conditions is not possible. It is, therefore, presumed that before RNA came into existence, there were self-replicating informational molecules which were taken over by RNA.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Template switching between PNA and RNA oligonucleotides
Article Abstract:
The possibility of a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) world as the precursor to the RNA world is supported by the ability of RNA oligonucleotides to facilitate complementary PNA strand synthesis and vice versa. This ability may have prevented information loss in the transition between the two genetic system.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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