Automatic DNA computer

2001/11/22 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Biokimika
• Genetika

The new computer can perform a billion operations in a second. Despite its slowness with regard to silicon computers, being a solution made up of enzymes and DNA is nothing wrong.

Conventional computers use a binary code consisting of 0 and 1. Therefore, by basing the DNA molecule on a four-base code system, the DNA computer would allow for more mathematical operations to be resolved. Through the DNA computer, DNA molecules are created with coded problems and with all possible solutions.

Until now the DNA computers were not automatic, that is, to carry out the operations the researchers had to make changes in the environment. This new computer, however, operates without the help of man. The hardware is made up of specific enzymes that cut DNA sequences, are molecular fragments of DNA. Finally, they use a detector that detects specific DNA molecules to separate the molecules with proper response. Finally, the result is solved by electrophoresis.

The DNA computer will allow to analyze DNA sequences at a dizzying speed and will give an important boost to genetic research. One of the authors of the paper has stated that in the future it can be used to detect diseases and search for adequate medicines.