Scientists have taken the first pictures of an enzyme that both fixes damaged DNA and merges maternal and paternal DNA. As a metaphor for the enzyme, which binds to branched -- splitting -- DNA and is called T7 endonuclease 1, a mixer springs to mind: think of the cell as a DJ, and this enzyme as the tool that lets it fuse mismatched beats.
Okay, that's not exactly a perfect metaphor. But you get the picture.
Scientists hail DNA repair study [BBC]
Scientists spy enzyme that makes us unique [Innovations Report]
The structural basis of Holliday junction resolution by T7 endonuclease I. [Nature]
*
Image: GracinhaMarco Abundo*
