DNA Ligase
When your head is buried in scientific literature, from the “Alarming Increase in Ciprofloxacin- and Penicillin-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates in New Delhi, India” all the way to “Serum IgE response to orally ingested antigen: A novel IgE response model with allergen-specific T-cell receptor transgenic mice”, you begin to look forward to studying DNA metabolism and its associated reactions for a biochemistry test. So sure enough, this past Sunday night found me studying away from my biochem test on Monday. While perusing Wikipedia (which I generally use as a sort of scientific dictionary for studying—it saves time for basics, compared to looking them up in the book), I found an amazing illustration.
Above is a fantastic picture of the DNA ligase I enzyme. Computer generated imagery has been used to provide the viewer with a great understanding of how the enzyme interacts with DNA—the details of the protein’s structure can clearly be observed as they mesh with that of the DNA. I think that’s pretty cool.
Comments
Adam Caulfield +4
Oh, what a perfect time to tell one of my favorite/nerdy pickup lines:
“If I could be any enzyme, I’d be DNA ligase so I could unzip your genes”
Justin Gehring
DNA - The initials of one “Douglas Noel Adams”. 1952 to 2001. The only relevant thing I could possibly have to say about the three letters known as DNA.
Dan McKeown +1
Here is another fact for you Justin: Chester Wilson invented DNA. This was during his “double helix” phase.
Justin Gehring
Hmmm, well if we’re going to figure out random weird things to put in Alex’s blog on this day which should formally be known as “Naked CSS Day”. I’ve decided that since I haven’t made up a 3 letter aim abbreviation in while (if you didn’t know, I invented JNH which is “just not here”). I have now decided that DNA in aim will “Do Not Answer”… For those times when you need an away message that says “I’m here, but I won’t answer you”.
It can also be added to one’s cell phone entries as a prefix to certain people’s names. This can help to remind you that you should not answer the phone when that particular phone number rings (in my case, it now shows up for the Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Public Television… The last time I do anything nice for those people.)
Richard +2
FACT: When DNA needs repairing, DNA Ligase is know to exclaim “Bam!” and kick things up a notch in a very catalystic way.
Amber +1
Dear Justin,
I think that is a stupid abbreviation.
Love, Amber
Alexander Micek
I eagerly await Justin’s rebuttal.
And Adam—only at tumbledry do you get such a great opportunity to share DNA ligase humor!