DNA . . . there's 8 base pairs. So far

[Bateluer]

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-07-scientists-seventh-eighth-bases-dna.html

For decades, scientists have known that DNA consists of four basic units -- adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine. Those four bases have been taught in science textbooks and have formed the basis of the growing knowledge regarding how genes code for life. Yet in recent history, scientists have expanded that list from four to six.

Now, with a finding published online in the July 21, 2011, issue of the journal Science, researchers from the UNC School of Medicine have discovered the seventh and eighth bases of DNA.

These last two bases – called 5-formylcytosine and 5 carboxylcytosine – are actually versions of cytosine that have been modified by Tet proteins, molecular entities thought to play a role in DNA demethylation and stem cell reprogramming

To to rewrite the biology text books?

 

[eits]

pretty amazing.

only concern i have is the risk this might cause in forming cancers. "this," meaning tampering with new dna base pairs in stem cell reprogramming.

 

[Wyndru]

only concern i have is the risk this might cause in forming cancers. "this," meaning tampering with new dna base pairs in stem cell reprogramming.

 

[eits]

lol