One
of the seminal discoveries in biology was the discovery of the structure of
deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA, by James Watson, Francis Crick and Rosalind
Franklin that led to the later deciphering of the genetic code by a series of
exceptional researchers. Without Rosalind Franklin’s X ray crystallography workon the hydrated form of DNA, Watson and Crick would not have been able to
decipher the double helix. It is this underlying structure that allows DNA to
direct the transcription of RNA and later translation of the genetic code into
proteins.
In simple terms without understanding the structure, the genetic
function of DNA was not evident. While the genetic code directs all protein
synthesis, it is also true that in many instances understanding what genes are
expressed and translated does not inform the actual final functions, the end
result of protein expression and activity. The mere presence of a protein or
enzyme also does not translate directly into an outcome in activity. Function
is a much more complex process. Thus the genetic code can direct amino acid
sequence and structure, but structure and location can also modify ultimate
function. With this editorial we discuss the effects of one structural
component, the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), on the functional activities of other
molecules, cells and organs. GAGs represent one of the silent engineers of
cellular and tissue structures. Read more>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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