We believe that behind every invention and discovery there is always a curious mind working. This section of BioNE, is dedicated to all those young curious minds who have been thinking and working on unexplored possibilities in the horizon of biological sciences. Today’s learning process is no longer confined in books, rather it is based on questioning beyond the existing knowledge and searching for relevant answers. Here, we are inviting all those curious minds to put up questions and bring up a joint platform to share their ideas. Please mail your questions to bione@vetbifguwahati.ernet.in

Q1.  How is DNA microarray created? – Rabijit Singh, Class XII

Answer:  DNA microarray is an array of oligonucleotide probes on a glass platform. These oligonucleotides represent different genes in a particular organism. When a sample (transcriptome) is applied on this array, these probes bind to complementary mRNA sequences and emit fluorescent signals. These florescent signals are captured and analysed with high end software. Creating such microarray requires precision and often prepared robotically.

Q2.  How are molecular diseases cured? – ArindamChoudhury, Class XII

Answer:  Molecular diseases often occur due to a mutation in the coding sequence of a gene representing a protein important in the physiological role. These diseases generally cannot be cured and often symptomatic treatments are given. One strategy to cure such diseases is to introduce a correct copy of a gene in the specific tissue where the incorrect copy of the gene is being expressed.

Q3.  What is the most common solidifying agent used in micro-propagation? – NabarunRoi, Class XI

Answer:  Micro-propagation is a common technique in plant biotechnology, which is used for propagating plants using different plant organs. It requires a nutrient medium supplemented with different hormones and necessary minerals in a solidifying agent. The most common solidifying agent used in micro-propagation is agar-agar.