Plants have a clever way of managing their DNA. They use special proteins called REM transcription factors and a helper protein named GDE1 to direct tiny RNA molecules to specific spots on the DNA. These RNA molecules act like guides, helping to add chemical tags called methyl groups to the DNA. This process is crucial for plants, especially in their reproductive par...
In the realm of biology, it is well-known that the processes governing gene activity are quite similar across different animals. However, the speed at which these processes occur can vary greatly. This is especially true when comparing mice and fruit flies, known as Drosophila to scientists. To understand why this happens, researchers looked into how often a key play...
The world of viruses is a fascinating place, especially when it comes to how they maintain their genetic information. Unlike DNA viruses, RNA viruses like coronaviruses have a unique way of keeping their genetic material intact. They use a special tool called an exonuclease domain, which helps them proofread their genetic code during replication. This domain is part ...
The fight against COVID-19 is far from over. New variants of the virus keep popping up, making it tough for existing treatments to keep up. Vaccines are great, but they aren't enough on their own. We need new drugs that can adapt to these ever-changing viruses. One promising approach is to target the virus's RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a key player in how th...
Imagine a virus that's causing chaos all around the world. Sounds scary, right? Well, scientists are on a mission to stop this virus, called SARS-CoV-2, from doing more harm. They've discovered that a key part of the virus, called RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp), is vital for its growth. So, maybe if we could stop this part, we could stop the virus too. Scientis...