New molecular tools for the 21st century: Molecular design of new DNA-based devices

DNA是一种自然产生的分子，自然界使用它来存储生物运作所需的所有指令。DNA通过存储信息来实现这一功能，而不是通过二进制代码(就像现代计算机中的硬盘驱动器)，而是通过由四个构建块(称为碱基A、G、C和T)组成的遗传代码来存储信息。DNA以一种被称为DNA双螺旋的扭曲梯子的形式存在，只有当构建块A识别构建块T并与其配对时才形成，构建块G识别并与构建块C配对。最近科学家们已经证明，这些DNA对可用于生命系统中遗传信息存储和流动以外的功能。DNA双螺旋现在可以用来构建分子计算机、分子机器和比目前个人电脑中使用的电子设备小1万倍的电子设备。这项研究的目标将是开发基于DNA遗传密码的电子、信息存储和医疗设备的新方法。我们将使用A、G、C和T的遗传密码来指导金属和磁体沿DNA双螺旋的放置。为了实现这一点，我们需要制造能够读取DNA遗传密码的不同类型的分子。然后我们将调查我们是否可以将这个代码用作地址簿，以便将特定的金属或磁铁沿着DNA双螺旋发送到特定的目的地。这不仅将使我们能够设计出比目前电子系统中的电子设备更智能、更高效、更环保的电子设备，还将使我们能够使用这项技术来检测和预测人类细胞中的特定DNA序列(称为基因)是否可能导致疾病。

DNA is a naturally-occurring molecule that is used by nature to store all of the instructions required for the functioning of a living being. DNA achieves this function by storing information not by a binary code (like a hard drive in modern computers), but rather by a genetic code made up of four building blocks (these are known as bases A, G, C, and T). DNA exists in the form of a twisted ladder known as the DNA double helix which is formed only when building block A recognizes and pairs with building block T, and building block G recognizes and pairs with building block C. Recently scientists have shown that these DNA pairs can be used for functions other than the storage and flow of genetic information in living systems. The DNA double helix can now be used for the construction of molecular computers, molecular machines and electronic devices 10,000 times smaller than the current electronic devices used in today's personal computers. The objectives of this research will be the development of new approaches for the construction of electronic, information storage and medical devices based on the genetic code of DNA. We will use the genetic code of A, G, C and T to direct the placement of metals and magnets along a DNA double helix. To achieve this, we need to make different types of molecules that can read DNA's genetic code. We will then investigate whether we can use this code as an address book in order to send a particular metal or magnet to a particular destination along a DNA double helix. This will not only enable us to design electronic devices that are smarter, more efficient and more environmentally friendly than those in current electronic systems, but it will also allow us to use this technology to detect and predict whether specific sequences of DNA (known as genes) in human cells may or may not cause disease.