Firstly, DNA is the molecule of life, it encodes all the information to make us and ALL other life in the universe (that we know of!). So what better molecule to study than DNA?
Secondly, lots of human diseases are due to mutations (changes to the DNA). So by studying how DNA is damaged and repaired I can begin to understand why some people are born with rare disease or develop cancer when they get older.
Also, changes to DNA can often result in genetic diversity within species, and it is this diversity which is essential for natural selection.
So understanding how DNA is damaged and repaired has HUGE applications, from developing new medicines to understanding how life evolved.
Thank you so much for answering my question so thoroughly! I find DNA and genes fascinating, especially how a slight alteration can make such a big difference.
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anon-220761 commented on :
Thank you so much for answering my question so thoroughly! I find DNA and genes fascinating, especially how a slight alteration can make such a big difference.