DNA Material Replace With Arsenic

DNA Materials

NASA has just announced the latest discoveries in the field of astrobiology. They found a group of microbes that can use arsenic to replace the phosphorus, the elements needed to build genetic material or DNA.

The discovery was announced in a press conference on December 2, 2010 and the publication in the journal Science which was originally rumored to be discussing about the issue of aliens.

Some people are surprised by these findings. However, Steven Berner, chemist at the Foundation for Aplied Molecular Evolution in Gainesville, Florida, is skeptical of the discovery.

"I doubt that with these findings," said the experts who have many years work of researching about alternative DNA structures. Many scientists are doubts related to the method used to see the structure of DNA.

He said, to measure the DNA that has been modified, the genetic material must be placed in a water-containing gel that will quickly dissolve arsenate compounds, arsenic compounds and oxygen combined.

These factors, according to Berner, must be considered to see the results. Any hypothesis which revealed that arsenat possible to replace phosphate in the DNA structure have to pay attention to the process.