Scientists have just made an incredible discovery that provides a link between the impact of a single molecule and how it can irreversibly change the structure of DNA. This could lead to a better understanding of how DNA is affected by environmental changes, and how this could have a long-term impact on genetic evolution. Researchers used a combination of x-ray diffraction and cryo-electron microscopy to observe how a single molecule of a toxic compound was able to change the structure of a single DNA strand. They found that the molecule was able to weaken the hydrogen bonds that hold the two strands of the DNA together, leading to a distinct alteration in the shape of the strand. This discovery could potentially lead to the development of new treatments for diseases that are caused by genetic mutations.

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source: Phys.org