29 September 2014
Diving Into Life
Our genetic code is held in each of our cells in the form of tightly packed DNA. It’s the template of all the essential information for an organism’s life and must be faithfully copied each and every time a cell divides. Mistakes in the duplication of the double helix of DNA can have catastrophic consequences such as genetic abnormalities and cancer. A protein called MCM2-7 is responsible for separating the two DNA strands during the process of replication. Using electron microscopy and bioinformatics technology on Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast proteins researchers have now revealed the 3D arrangement of MCM2-7 (computer model pictured). Modelling the structure of this hexameric [made up of six subunits] protein provides insights into how it interacts with the double helix of DNA and allows its separation and duplication as cells divide.
Written by
- Image by Alberto Riera
- DNA Replication Group, Imperial College London
- Copyright held by original authors
Search The Archive
Submit An Image
Like us on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Follow on Tumblr
Follow on Instagram
What is BPoD?
BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.
BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.