Kireon B. answered • 02/13/21
First we must ask, what is the role of DNA and RNA. DNA is of course our cellular blueprint. Our genetic information is stored in it’s base pairs. Thus when doing research, this is a great starting point for identifying diseases especially if you include epigenetics. Through these ideas we can “turn off” certain genes in our animal friends to see what impact that specific gene has. This can lead to insights in cellular physiology and disease. Unfortunately, there are already some diseases tied to epigenetic markers which means we could assist those living with these ailments if we could better understand the associated mechanisms.
DNA also codes for RNA. If you recall the central dogma, you remember that RNA has a vital role in protein synthesis. Proteins are important parts of cellular physiology for examples the protein channels in the cellular membrane that allow for transport through the phospholipid bilayer and its bipolar parts (this is a joke since part is hydrophilic and part is hydrophobic). Additionally RNA has also been found as exRNA that exists outside of the cell to communicate between cells. This could offer even more important insights as we discover what the cells as talking about and what effect that has on disease. For example, could we intercept early cancer warning from cells growing uncontrollably to be able to detect it earlier or pinpoint a location better. Can you think of other ways this could be useful to solving problems with diseases or cells?