Recently, a new study shows a real-time look at how genetic information travels within a living cell. With a specially designed high-powered microscope, the researchers observed how RNA is transported from a cell's nucleus. The findings may lead to medical advances.
Previously, researchers could use a still image to see how RNA travelled from the nucleus. It only give them a static snapshot of what was happening. However, it's important to clearly undersand the mechanism.
Now, the new technique allows the researchers to see particles nanometres in size—a billionth of a metre—over just milliseconds in a living yeast cell. By recording the events, the researchers saw the route and time taken for the RNA to be transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it is then used to encode proteins—the workhorses of the cell. Moreover, the researchers revealed how that changed after introducing a mutation into the system.
Using the old technique, researchers could tell there was a defect but could not tell where it was happening. But using the new technique, they can see the errors occurring in real time. Additionaly, they observed defects that they didn't expect—that the models they have wouldn't have predicted.
Discovery research is the driving force to new innovation. The technique can solves big problems in future.
Further study will focus on two fronts: studying mutations and other factors that affect RNA transport, and honing the imaging technique. This innovative technique may help researchers gain an unprecedented understanding of the cell.
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