genetic material

When a dividing cell duplicates its genetic material, a molecular machine called a sliding clamp travels along the DNA double helix, tethering the proteins that perform the replication.

Researchers have discovered a small molecule that stops the sliding clamp in its tracks.

A group of antibiotic natural products points to a new mode of action against pathogenic bacteria. Isolated from myxobacteria, the substances prevent an enzyme of the pathogens from being able to translate their genetic material.

(Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres) A group of antibiotic natural products discovered at the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research in Braunschweig points out a new mode of action against pathogenic bacteria.

Isolated from myxobacteria, the substances prevent an enzym of the pathogens from being able to translate their genetic material.

In this way, the propagation of bacteria -- such as tuberculosis pathogens -- is inhibited. Today, the results are published in the distinguished journal Cell.

Aphids (plant lice) and ants carry minibacteria that produce essential amino acids and vitamins. These minibacteria have very limited genetic material and many broken genes.

Now, researchers have found that repeated errors in the conversion of DNA to protein save the function of the damaged genes.

Researchers have identified a common signature of tiny, specific pieces of non-coding genetic material known as microRNAs (miRNAs) that may be directly involved in the spread of cancer.

The findings may represent a novel diagnostic tool in characterizing gene targets in metastatic cancer.

Retinas in newborn mice appear perfectly fine without any help from tiny bits of genetic material called microRNAs except for one thing -- the retinas do not work.

Researchers have developed a new technique for imaging cells under an electron microscope that yields a sharper image of the structure of chromatin, the tightly wound bundle of genetic material and proteins that makes up the chromosomes.

Researchers have developed a new technique for imaging cells under an electron microscope that yields a sharper image of the structure of chromatin, the tightly wound bundle of genetic material and proteins that makes up the chromosomes.

The exchange of genetic material between two closely related strains of the influenza A virus may have caused the 1947 and 1951 human flu epidemics, according to biologists.

The findings could help explain why some strains cause major pandemics and others lead to seasonal epidemics.