A synthetic base pair (d5SICS and dNaM) has been integrated into the DNA of E. coli bacterium reported in Nature recently. This is a different and unique genetic code than the rest of the life on earth. Genetic code of 2 pairs of bases codes for 20 amino acids, however, with the introduction of 3rd pair of bases, the theoretical possibilities of encoding different amino acids goes up to 100 from which the possibilities of producing proteins seem to to endless. Scientists created a plasmid, containing a single pair of the foreign bases, and inserted it into E. coli cells. They provided diatom (algae) protein supplying a diet of foreign nucleotides. The plasmid was copied and passed on to dividing E. coli cells by DNA replication. When the supply of foreign nucleotides ran out, the bacteria reverted back to natural bases.
Posted on: Mon, 12 May 2014 10:25:59 +0000
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