Genome complexity: new enzyme found for DNA repair (Introduction)

by David Turell @, Friday, November 04, 2016, 20:27 (2702 days ago) @ David Turell

DNA must be copied exactly or life would end. Constant repair of errors is essential:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161101100725.htm

"Scientists at The Australian National University (ANU) and Heidelberg University in Germany have found an essential component in the DNA repair process which could open the door to the development of new cancer drugs.

"Lead researcher Associate Professor Tamás Fischer from ANU said the research found hybrid structures composed of DNA and RNA play an important role in restoring the genetic information after the DNA is damaged. RNAs are short-lived copies of the genetic information stored in DNA.

"The study also discovered that RNase H enzymes that target these hybrid structures are also essential for the efficient and precise repair of damaged DNA.

***

"RNase H enzymes have been studied and used in molecular biology for many years but their biological function was not entirely clear until now.
"Our study reveals that these enzymes are essential for DNA repair and this is probably one of their most important functions and the reason that they are present in every living cell."

"Dr Fischer said one of the most surprising findings was that RNA -- DNA hybrids, which were previously thought to only negatively affect the integrity of the human genome -- are actually also involved in protecting the DNA."

Comment: This presents a chicken and egg problem. First DNA and then copy protection mechanisms, or did both appear together. Logically both appeared at the same time for ear.ly life to survive. Enzymes are giant molecules. How did evolution find them? Only God can do this.


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