Interesting news item

Post by **AngelBaby** » 21 Aug 2007 10:09

exelis wrote:Wrap your head around this: I don't know if you have learned the principle of chirality of molecules. Basically, for most complex molecules there are "left-handed" or levomorphic molecules, and there are "right handed" or dextromorphic molecules. If you look at your two hands, it's easier to understand... same composition, different orientation. If we could take all human DNA and flip it chirally (which amounts to reversing the helices so that they corkscrewed the other way), we'd be immune to virii, and would otherwise, theoretically, be human in every other way. We'd have to take supplements of all vitamins and amino acids that were chiral, but it'd be doable.

At least, that's the idea that I came up with and asked my prof about, and he confirmed and broadened it for me.

Actually, DNA is not chiral in the truest sense, you're more likely thinking of the 20 L-form amino acids which make up the primary backbone of all proteins in all forms of life on earth. The double-helical structure of DNA is primarily composed of a right-handed helix, also called the B-form. There are two other helical forms found in nature, the A-form which is also a right-turning helix, only more compact; and the Z-form which is a left-handed zigzagging helix.

Also, even if DNA were truly chiral, it is unlikely that we could become immune to viruses and the like by reversing the molecular handedness. For one thing, none of our own enzymes, such as the proteins that are responsible for replicating our chromosomes and expressing genes, would recognize the new DNA and this new mutation would be lethal at the first cellular division following fertilization.

Other than that, it's an interesting idea.

Mike · Post by **Mike** » 21 Aug 2007 10:15

exelis · Post by **exelis** » 21 Aug 2007 10:44

AngelBaby wrote: Actually, DNA is not chiral in the truest sense, you're more likely thinking of the 20 L-form amino acids which make up the primary backbone of all proteins in all forms of life on earth. The double-helical structure of DNA is primarily composed of a right-handed helix, also called the B-form. There are two other helical forms found in nature, the A-form which is also a right-turning helix, only more compact; and the Z-form which is a left-handed zigzagging helix.

Also, even if DNA were truly chiral, it is unlikely that we could become immune to viruses and the like by reversing the molecular handedness. For one thing, none of our own enzymes, such as the proteins that are responsible for replicating our chromosomes and expressing genes, would recognize the new DNA and this new mutation would be lethal at the first cellular division following fertilization.

Other than that, it's an interesting idea.

It's been years, so I'm likely getting many details wrong, but the theory was that, whether truly chiral or not, other molecules would have to be similarly reversed to work, and those produced would be the same. Gotta remember, I'm an oldster around here, and I haven't even looked at hardcore biochem stuff in 10 years now. Maybe you're completely right, but I will say that my prof was a genius. A truly brilliant man. The kind that kept a bottle of very old cognac at his desk because he was liable to show up at the lab anytime to work on an idea. ...Anyway, somehow he took the idea and made it sound like it would work dependent on a few provisions.

Post by **AngelBaby** » 21 Aug 2007 14:10

1.21 gigawatts?

Gee, the freaky science news has been coming fast and furious lately...

lswalker · Post by **lswalker** » 22 Aug 2007 02:13

great scott, it's back from the future! get your flux capacitors ready

The Deadly Superman · Post by **The Deadly Superman** » 22 Aug 2007 12:12

lswalker wrote:great scott, it's back from the future! get your flux capacitors ready

Fuck YES!

gulliver · Post by **gulliver** » 22 Aug 2007 20:48

Dont buy hot goods!

Post by **AngelBaby** » 29 Aug 2007 10:24

You've got to be kidding me.

exelis · Post by **exelis** » 30 Aug 2007 00:51

Touchy subject, but I've heard of men having sleep-sex with their wives and never even realizing it, too. It's distasteful and completely suspect, but I think the Mythbusters would call it "plausible", even if far-fetched.

Post by **smash** » 30 Aug 2007 04:25

The most bizarre internet love triangle ever?

Post by **AngelBaby** » 31 Aug 2007 16:12

I know kung fu... Whoa.

Mike · Post by **Mike** » 31 Aug 2007 16:49

smash wrote:The most bizarre internet love triangle ever?

I read that whole thing... Is it me, or did the story seem to end abruptly? Has the case not been settled? No pics of the old lady or her daughter!

AngelBaby wrote:I know kung fu... Whoa.

That's hilarious! Sensitive monks...

grey_foxxy · Post by **grey_foxxy** » 01 Sep 2007 02:31

If she was just playing along to keep Montgomery from hurting someone, then why did she start talking to the young guy?

Post by **smash** » 01 Sep 2007 03:51

grey_foxxy wrote:If she was just playing along to keep Montgomery from hurting someone, then why did she start talking to the young guy?

Good point Foxxy.

exelis · Post by **exelis** » 01 Sep 2007 04:06

grey_foxxy wrote:If she was just playing along to keep Montgomery from hurting someone, then why did she start talking to the young guy?

...Because, many of us humans, at least, crave attention. It must have been filling a hole in her life somehow.

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