April 25th was designated as National DNA Day by the US Congress to commemorate Watson and Crick's description of DNA's double-helix structure, considered by many to be one of the most significant scientific discoveries of the 20th Century.
National DNA Day is sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), in cooperation with the American Society of Human Genetics [ashg.org], the Genetic Alliance [geneticalliance.org] and the National Society of Genetic Counselors [nsgc.org].
Here are some actual questions and answers that were posted today during an online chat session at genome.gov:
Q: : Two related questions came in at about the same time: "Can we eat DNA?" And "What does DNA task like?"
A: Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D.: We eat DNA all the time-- it is in all meat, all fruits, all vegetables, and so forth. Anything living has DNA in it. In terms of DNA tastes like-- must be chicken (doesn't everything taste like chicken?).
Q: Richard Lui, Newton, MA: Does DNA have a color?
A: Phyllis Frosst, Ph.D.: In solution, DNA is clear. When precipitated from a solution, DNA forms a white stringy material and when dry, DNA is a white powder.
Q: Emanuel, From Los Angles: Can you find Dna in any cell?
A: Belen Hurle, Ph.D.: Almost. Red blood cells and eye lens cells don't have DNA!
How do you plan to celebrate DNA Day??
4 comments:
"How do you plan to celebrate DNA Day??"
is it that time of year again?! i swear, they start the season earlier and earlier every year.
i never miss the parade....
KEvron
i never miss the parade....
KEvron
I like how it winds its way through town until it splits at the town square and then spectators get to join in the procession(s)!
Damn it! I missed it again?
Good news--We've cloned DNA day!
You can march again tomorrow.
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