The autocatalytic function is the capacity of DNA to make a copy of itself. This capacity is known as replication. Watson and Crick proposed a mechanism of replication on the basis of its double helical structure. According to them, the two strands were capable of unwinding and separating and acting as templates during the synthesis of a new nucleotide chain. [...]
The most conclusive evidences in support of DNA as the genetic material comes from different avenues of approach on microorganisms – transformation of bacteria and transduction involving bacteriophages. 1. Griffith's Experiment and Bacterial Transformation: In 1928, Frederick Griffith, an English bacteriologist conducted transformation experiments on two strains of bacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus). The two strains are as follows: a. Smooth [...]
Methods of introducing foreign genes in cell are: 1. Electroporation 2. Particle Bombardment Gun 3. Microinjection. Method # 1. Electroporation: In this method an electric field is used to transfer the foreign DNA into the fragile cells. High voltage electricity is applied to the protoplast suspension containing recombinant or naked plasmids. The electrical impulse creates large pores in the cell [...]