S4.17 Back to the beginning: Exploring the origins of life
Kat: Hello, and welcome to Genetics Unzipped - the Genetics Society podcast, with me, Dr Kat Arney. In this episode we’re taking a trip back in time, soaking in the primordial soup to discover the origins of DNA, find out where genes come from and how some species have stolen theirs from viruses, and explore what’s next for the genetic code.
Before we start, a quick reminder about my latest book, Rebel Cell: Cancer, evolution and the science of life, which is now out in paperback in the UK, along with the hardback, Kindle and audiobook versions, and a US edition. Excitingly, I can officially call it a number one bestseller, as it topped the Medical Genetics Charts on Amazon last week, and was also picked as one of the top paperbacks by The Times, alongside living legend Stephen Fry. High praise indeed!
To grab your copy and find out what all the fuss is about, just head to your favourite real-life or online retailer or go to rebelcellbook.com to buy a signed copy or bookplate sticker. Thank you. Now, on with the show...
Where did DNA come from?
Experts think that the first step towards life was simply a molecule that was capable of self-replicating. As a geneticist, your mind might jump straight away to the most famous self-replicating molecule of them all, DNA. Click here to explore the ideas behind the origins of RNA and DNA.
Making new genes or stealing them?
As far as we can tell, all of life on earth evolved from one common ancestor, LUCA, which must have had one set of genes, whatever they looked like. But that leaves the question of how this simple set of genes diversified to encompass the incredible diversity of genes that now exist in trillions of extant and extinct species on earth. Click here to discover more about that age old question… where do genes come from?
The future of DNA - Meet XNA
The emerging field of xenobiology is a subfield of synthetic biology that involves using chemical substances not usually found in nature, for example, alternative DNA known as XNA, short for Xeno Nucleic Acid. Click here to learn about how some experts in the field are adding new letters to the genetic alphabet by creating XNA with completely new nucleotide bases beyond the standard A, C, T and G.
That’s all for now. We’ll be back next time taking a journey to the middle of the South Pacific ocean to meet the Robinson Crusoe islanders and discover what we can learn about language from studying their genes.
For more information about this podcast including show notes, transcripts, links, references, music credits and everything else head over to geneticsunzipped.com You can find us on Twitter @geneticsunzip and please do take a moment to rate and review us on Apple podcasts - it really makes a difference and helps more people discover the show.
Genetics Unzipped is written and presented by me, Kat Arney with additional research and scripting by Emily Nordvang. It is produced by First Create the Media for The Genetics Society - one of the oldest learned societies in the world dedicated to supporting and promoting the research, teaching and application of genetics. You can find out more and apply to join at genetics.org.uk. Our theme music was composed by Dan Pollard, and the logo was designed by James Mayall, and audio production was by Hannah Varrall. Thanks for listening, and until next time, goodbye.
Sound effects licensed from Epidemic Sound
Image credits:
RNA Transcripts: Courtesy of National Human Genome Research Institute
