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UnrepentantLiberal

(11,700 posts)
Mon Jan 21, 2013, 04:39 AM Jan 2013

'Quadruple helix' DNA seen in human cells


[font size=2]A representation of the four-stranded structure (L) with fluorescent markers revealing its presence inside cells (R)[/font]

By Jonathan Amos
BBC News
20 January 2013

Cambridge University scientists say they have seen four-stranded DNA at work in human cells for the first time.

The famous "molecule of life", which carries our genetic code, is more familiar to us as a double helix.

But researchers tell the journal Nature Chemistry that the "quadruple helix" is also present in our cells, and in ways that might possibly relate to cancer.

They suggest that control of the structures could provide novel ways to fight the disease.

More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21091066
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'Quadruple helix' DNA seen in human cells (Original Post) UnrepentantLiberal Jan 2013 OP
Fractals anyone? eom littlemissmartypants Jan 2013 #1
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