There has been a lot done since the last game update. For one, I am no longer creating graphics with d3.js. Instead, I have chosen a game library, p5.js, so that things like collision are easier to program.

I have also been reading my textbook, Essential Cell Biology, a lot, and I’m already on Chapter 8.

I’ve decided that every time I  read a new chapter, I will publish a new post explaining something interesting I learned from that chapter. However, since I read 5 chapters of the book and no post, I’m going to have to stuff a lot into this post. Enjoy!

DNA makes RNA. RNA makes proteins. Do proteins make DNA?

Well, they don’t make DNA, but there are enzymes which hold DNA together and make sure it doesn’t mutate. But certain mushrooms of the amanita genus contain chemicals which break these enzymes, meaning that clumps of cells will no longer be able to function. This causes large amounts of brain damage, muscle fatigue, and organ failure. Doesn’t seem like a good salad topping.

So why is DNA a double helix?

Why is DNA double helix, and RNA isn’t? The answer lies in one of the main functions of DNA: copying. DNA’s double helix shape allows it to copy itself.

How? In a DNA strand, there is one string of nucleotides, labeled A, T, G, and C.  But remember, it’s a double helix, so there are two strings of nucleotides. The first string matches up with the second one: A to T and vice versa, G to C and vice versa. When it’s time for DNA to copy, its double helix unfolds and the two strings split apart. Then, nucleotides come in and make new DNA strands out of the separated strings. How? A nucleotides floating around bond to T nucleotides in the string.  T bonds to A.  G bonds to C.  C bonds to G. Just like that, two DNA strands are made from one.

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