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Name: Dan
Status: Student
Grade:  6-8
Location: PA
Country: United States
Date: February 2006
Question:
What can the present scientists do with nucleic enzymes such as DNases and RNases? If they can cut and destroy nucleic acids, then can't it be used to destroy certain part of genes or DNA that is not needed. (maybe infected, or that turned all goowy)


Replies:
Dear Dan,

You have a great idea. The problem is that these enzymes are not very smart. They will attack any DNA or RNA. The solution and challenge for the scientist is to make the enzymes smarter so they will attack only certain parts of genes or find the DNA that is not needed.

Jim Tokuhisa, Ph.D.
Virginia Tech University


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