BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Four novel DNA 'building blocks' added to A, T, C, G bring the potential for 'alternative' synthetic DNAs with novel applications

06 April 2019

DNA Doubled

Naturally occurring DNA consists of four building blocks, or nucleotides, spelled out by the letters G, C, A and T. Scientists have calculated that, in theory, other 'letters' chemically similar to the existing four are capable of integrating into DNA molecules. But, for whatever reason, evolution did not choose them. Putting that theory to the test, researchers have now shown that indeed four of these alternative nucleotides (Z, P, S and B) can, together with G, C, A and T, form DNA molecules with double the genetic alphabet. This synthetic DNA looks and behaves like the real thing. The video shows a molecular model of the eight-letter DNA with a standard double-helix structure – and can even be used to make eight-letter RNAs – DNA-encoded molecules with catalytic capabilities. By creating RNAs with novel nucleotides, the potential functions of these molecules have vastly increased, as have their potential biotechnological and medical applications.

Written by Ruth Williams

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.