Dna_and_Protein

Running head: DNA AND PROTEIN DNA and Protein DNA and Protein Since the discovery of DNA back in 1869 by Johann Friedrich Miescher and the discovery of DNA being genetic material in the 1950’s, we have come to know that DNA is the essential building block of all living organisms. We have also determined that DNA carries the genetic information of a cell and is located in the nucleus of the cell. As DNA consists of thousands of genes, organized into chromosomes, each gene serves as a recipe on how to build a protein molecule. Proteins play an essential part in the performance of proper cell function and serve as building blocks. Biologists have long used molecular analysis of DNA and protein sequences to test evolutionary hypotheses. Biologists have also overwhelmingly accepted the fact that genes (DNA) and their products (proteins) are historical documents (linear sequences of nucleotides in DNA molecules) passed from parent to offspring; hence, evolutionary tape measures. In one of the many concepts of the theory of evolution, scientists have concluded that DNA and proteins are, in fact, evolutionary tape measures. The question of whether scientists can prove that two kinds of animals are related by observing DNA is answered by Molecular biologist Christian Schwabe. He writes, “Molecular evolution is about to be accepted as a method superior to paleontology for the discovery of evolutionary relationships. As a molecular evolutionist I should be elated. Instead it seems disconcerting that many exceptions exist in the orderly progression of species as determined by molecular homologies: so many in fact that I think the exception, the quirks, may carry the more important message.” (, n.d., ¶ 3) What is certain is the apparent use of DNA studies and its effect on our Judicial, medical, pharmaceutical and agricultural communities. Over the past decade, DNA has been used to exonerate hundreds and to convict thousands of criminals. Transforming the criminal justice system, DNA Crime Technology has allowed most states to set statutes that require DNA samples of certain convicted felons be included in a state database. Thereby, maintaining a low proportion of wrongful imprisonment and wrongful imprisonment lawsuits from depleting state funds. In the medical community, DNA research has enabled the advancement of paternity tests and stem cell research. DNA research has also contributed to finding out more about cancer diseases and the progression of more in depth diagnosis among doctor/patient relations. When it comes to the pharmaceutical community, extensive DNA research has provided answers and solutions to major viral diseases such as AIDS. In the agricultural world, DNA technology has also been used to increase plant resistance to disease by reengineering the plant to produce viral proteins. Also, the genes for an insecticide obtained from a bacterium have been inserted into plants to allow the plants to resist caterpillars and other pests. (Wiley Publishing, Inc [], 2000-2009, ¶ 5) DNA has allowed us to clone not only dogs and sheep, but tomatos and other plants. The study of DNA and protein has answered plenty of questions yet, unearth a slew of new questions that surely are going to take years to understand. The argument of the theory of evolution will definitely loom on for centuries to come amongst the scientific and religious sectors of our world. One thing is for certain; without DNA we would not be who we are today much less ever. References (n.d.). The Theory of Evolution vs. Ceation Science. Retrieved October 27, 2009, from http://www.pilgrimtours.com/creation/biochemistry.htm Wiley Publishing, Inc (2000-2009). DNA and Agriculture. Retrieved October 27, 2009, from http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/CliffsReviewTopic/DNA-and-Agriculture.topicArticleId-8741,articleId-8630.html