The cells find a structure of DNA formed by four filaments

2013/02/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Genetika
• Biokimika

Although the classical and iconic structure of DNA is double helix, in the laboratory researchers also work with other DNA structures. For example, in cancer studies, a synthetic DNA rich in guanine is used, whose structure is formed by four filaments.

The researchers had long suspected that this structure also existed in the cells of living beings. Now, researchers at the University of Cambridge have confirmed the suspicion and noticed it in the specialized journal Nature Chemistry.

According to the researchers, this peculiar structure seems to have important biological functions, so the next studies will be directed to clarify. Among other things, they are expected to serve for cancer research.