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If it didn't use DNA I'd be even more impressed. It's great that they leaked it, though. My 9th graders' science class is going to tune in live, thanks to the
by T_S_ 16y ago
If it didn't use DNA I'd be even more impressed.
It's great that they leaked it, though. My 9th graders' science class is going to tune in live, thanks to the leak. Good opportunity to make science seem timely and relevant to kids.
- ceejayoz 16y agoTechnically, it's not DNA, as it lacks the phosphate groups that are in DNA/RNA nucleotides.
- T_S_ 16y agoYour point is well-taken. I was reacting to the early hype that suggested these bugs may have originated completely independently of other life on earth. If the organism evolved to use arsenic as a replacement for phosphate in a DNA-like chemical, I'm not sure if the independent origins hypothesis is really warranted. The Nature summary I saw today did not mention anything like that. The nature of hype I guess.