The main molecule of life: Unravelling DNA’s secrets
On February 8, every visitor was able to see that Russian Science Day was a very special day for the Primorsky Aquarium, the scientific and educational center. Guests were offered a journey to the world of discoveries and breakthroughs making human life better, healthier and more comfortable.
The Russian Science Day at the Primorsky Aquarium was devoted to the DNA molecule. Every one of us has dealt with some genetics and molecular biology achievements from birth. The words like ‘genes’, ‘GMO’ or, most recently, ‘PCR test’ have become very common in our everyday life, but not many people really understand what is behind the meanings of these terms and how they are connected to the discovery and further studies of DNA.
The program of the February the 8th event at the Aquarium was interesting and intense. 42. Brief and to the Point popular lectures told the visitors about a long and difficult road to the discovery of DNA and to the understanding that this double helix molecule carries genetic instructions within cells. The lecturers shared recent accomplishments in genetics and discussed the possibility to clone dinosaurs.
An amazing DNA scavenger hunt was prepared for the visitors in Evolution of Life in the Ocean and Microworld exhibits. Each of its five stations offered possibilities of unravelling mysteries and answering many questions. For example, how many letters are in the DNA alphabet? When silent genes “speak”? How to see the main molecule of life?
At a “Molecular workshop” the Aquarium guests could construct a model of DNA using origami techniques.
Exploration of DNA and related issues gave unique knowledge and opportunities to humanity. A lot of discoveries await us in the future, but the Russian Science Day’s participants must have already found out something new. The event was especially enjoyed by children: they could take home both many curious facts they had known and the DNA models they had made themselves.