DNA can conduct electricity. And DNA damage is scanned electrically
In Creation magazine, we talked about DNA being the largest storage molecule in the entire universe.1 We also showed how modern discoveries reject the idea of "junk" DNA that does not encode proteins, and reveal many of its amazing functions, about which we became known only recently. Dr. John Mattik, a leading expert in DNA function, believes that junk DNA acts like the latest computer operating system. Most recently, he expressed his regret that the idea that non-protein-coding DNA is junk has seriously damaged science:
Electrical protection
Another remarkable property of DNA in cells is how it conducts electricity. But DNA is very vulnerable and easily damaged. Free radicals attack DNA, taking away an electron (oxidation process) from one of the bases - the chemical "symbols" of the DNA code. The resulting "hole" in place of the electron can travel along the DNA and behave like a positive electric current.
We have already said that some part of the "junk" DNA is a pair between the "symbols" A and T (bases adenine and thiamine), and this blocks the harmful electrical current. This pairing acts as an isolation or "electronic lock in the chain", protecting important genes from electrical damage by free radicals attacking a distant part of the DNA.
More recently, Jacqueline Barton of the California Institute of Technology has shown that DNA also uses its electrical properties to protect itself. Along the edges of some genes is a sequence of G "symbols" (guanine base). They easily absorb the electron hole, so that it moves along the DNA until it reaches a sequence of G symbols. This removes damage from the parts of DNA that code for proteins.
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This is very similar to the principle behind galvanized iron. Here, a coating of reactive and less important metal - zinc - sacrifices itself, takes on all oxidation, protecting the iron from rust.
This original repair mechanism must have been present from the very beginning in all life forms.
DNA damage is scanned electrically
Our cells have an elaborate DNA repair mechanism. Considering that in each cell there are about 3 billion "letters" responsible for information, then the amount of checking to detect errors should be very large.
Intact DNA conducts electricity, while damage blocks the current. Dr. Barton found that some "repair" enzymes exploit this pattern. One pair of enzymes attaches to different parts of the DNA strand. One of the enzymes sends an electron down the strand. If the DNA is intact, the electron reaches the other enzyme and causes it to separate, i.e. this process checks the DNA region in between. If there is no damage, there is no need for repair.
But in the presence of damage, the electron does not reach the second enzyme. This enzyme moves further along the thread until it reaches the problem area, and then corrects it. This repair mechanism appears to be present in all living things, from bacteria to humans.
This ingenious repair system must have existed in all life forms from the beginning, otherwise life could not continue due to damage to the DNA. As scientists uncover more and more evidence of the complexity of life, we are more convinced of how “wonderfully created” we are. --Psalm 139: 14.
Jonathan Sarfati