Genetics is indeed an enchanting field and genes as well as their genetic code help to identify what makes us, who we are. From the color of our eyes to things like height and our predisposition to various diseases, genes contain the blueprints for the design and operation of all living things. In this blog today, let us explore the genes and gene coding world graced with the basics to complexities but also exploration on the ongoing advances in it.
Genes carry that information from a human generation to the next. They are stretches of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) which contain the information to make particular proteins, that help your body carry out a multitude of functions. Genes are string of nucleotides that make up DNA, the bricks for genes. The information is written into this sequence of nucleotides which serve as the genetic code from which proteins are made.
Genetic Coding:How does it work?
Genetic coding is the translation of a gene's sequence of nucleotides into a sequence of amino acids that make up a protein. It works like this:
1. TRANSCRIPTION:It is the first step of gene expression,process of copying the genetic information stored in DNA and synthesizing its complementary RNA molecule. The output of this process marks the beginning of gene expression in which the genetic code is finally read as protein.
The first process in gene expression, with transcription being the process by which RNA polymerase tries to read DNA's template and match incoming nucleotides accordingthe base pairing rules (A= T & G= C).In three steps transcription works out the following things:
1. Initiation: RNA polymerase binds to DNA template and biases itself at the start site.
2. Elongation: RNA polymerase traverses the DNA template and create complementary RNA chain [AUTOGENUS,2017]
3. Termination: RNA polymerase leaves the RNA molecule that has been synthesized.It is an essential element for gene expression, that is, it enables cells to translate the genetic information into proteins having specific functionality.
2. TRANSLATION:It is the process by which information decoded in messenger RNA (mRNA) is translated to obtain the specified protein. This happens on structures called ribosomes where reading the sequence in the code of mRNA determine a codon of three consecutive nucleotides and translate that into the sequence of amino acids.
In translation, the ribosome translates an mRNA sequence into a polypeptide chain in elongation codons at once, matching it with corresponding amino acids. The amino acids are then bound together to give rise to a polypeptide chain that folds into an active protein.
Translation goes through these three phases:
1. Initiation: Initiation is when the ribosome gets attached to the mRNA and places itself at the start codon.
2. Elongation: The ribosome reads the mRNA sequence and links together adjoining amino-acid t,tax to constitue a polypeptide chain.
3. Termination: the ribosome gets off with the protein which is completely formed.
3.ARTIFICIAL PROTEIN SYNTHESIS: A process of using design to create new proteins that are never found in nature. Artificial protein in this field has drastically improved the scope of protein engineering in order for scientists to produce proteins with new functions, higher stability and better activity.
Approaches from artificial protein synthesis:
1. De novo design:Create whole proteins in silico using computational tools and models.
2. Directed Evolution:Evolution of natural proteins by cycling rounds of mutations and selection.
3. Rational design: Design proteins based on known structure and function
The following are few applications of artificial protein synthesis:
1. Biotechnology: Creation of new enzymes, antibodies and vaccines.
2. Biomedical Research: Produce specific proteins in order to investigate disease states and for the development of novel therapeutics.
3. Materials science: Design of proteins for biomaterials and nanotechnology based on unique properties
Overall, artificial protein synthesis is a field that is rapidly advancing and has the potential to overturn many different sectors of research and industry.
Types of Genetic coding
There are 2 broad types of genetic coding in existence:
1. Prokaryotic genetic diagnostics: It is a type of gene coding that characterized live in prokaryotic cells such as bacteria. The cell uses its genetic code to make proteins that the cell needs to live.
2. Eukaryotic genetic coding : This form of code is in eukaryotic cells like plants and animals. The genetic code that is used to produce proteins of the different kinds necessary for the cells in their normal functioning; growth, development, and response to the environment
Significance of Genes and Genetic Coding
Genes and Genetic Coding are very significant in defining the traits of an organism. They govern everything from eye color to our height to how susceptible we are to a number of diseases. Genes and genetic coding have given us tremendous insights into the discovery of so many ground breaking things — from medicines and agriculture to biotechnology.
Applications in Genetic Coding
Genetic coding has wide applications (some of which are the following):
1. Genetic engineering: This is the act of modifying genes to alter the properties of an organism.
2. Genetic screening — based on genes to determine genetic illness.
3. Targeted or individualized Medicine: Medicine according the genombasis of individualized treatment specific to each patient.
CONCLUSION
Genetics and code of life, genes are properties defined inherent in an organism and which perform through the lifetime as well as influence its development, growth and function. The comprehension of genes and genetic coding has allowed extensive breakthroughs in several areas of work, guiding our understanding of the immediate world. As we unlock the wisdom of genes and genetic coding, perhaps new solutions can be found to enhance human health, boost food crop yields and forge new technologies.
Our expedition on genes, genetic coding, transcription, translation and artificial protein synthesis may have come to an end but we are left in awe — and awe is an understatement, at how amazing life is. The complex systems that govern how genetic information is expressed are a poignant reminder of the amazing machinery in life.
The discovery of the genetic code and elucidation events within transcription and translation have changed our perception of life forever and paved a road for breakthroughs that has matters in the realms of medicine, biotechnology and agriculture.
Artificial protein synthesis, a new field of research over the last decade, could one day be used to engineer and build robust proteins with a desired range of functions and properties that are not found in nature.
It is likely that this field will change multiple industries ranging from biotechnology and pharmaceuticals to materials science and nanotechnology.
We keep discovering new mysteries of life and that should make us reflect on responsible innovation while bringing forth ethical concerns surrounding our discoveries. We will try to make sure that our success in genetic engineering and artificial protein synthesis lead not just further improvements towards societal welfare but also for the better environment.
So basically our expedition in the world of genes, genetic coding and protein synthesis has been a driving and illuminating expedition so far. Looking forward, we are eager and hopeful for the new frontiers to be unveiled of discoveries that apply to the path where we will meet and encounter the future and the innovation at large.