What are the recent accomplishments of Indian researchers in developing a potential COVID-19 nasal vaccine, and how could this innovation transform the global approach to vaccination?
Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. They carry the genetic information that determines the characteristics and functions of an organism, including traits like eye color, height, and the ability to metabolize certain nutrients. Genes are pRead more
Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. They carry the genetic information that determines the characteristics and functions of an organism, including traits like eye color, height, and the ability to metabolize certain nutrients. Genes are passed from parents to offspring and are responsible for hereditary traits.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries genetic information in all living organisms. It consists of two long chains of nucleotides twisted into a double helix. DNA is composed of four types of nucleotides, represented by the letters A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine), and G (guanine). The sequence of these nucleotides encodes the genetic information. DNA is found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.
What Happens to DNA/Genes When We Eat Plants and Animals?
When we consume plants and animals, we ingest their cells, which contain DNA and genes. Here’s what happens to this DNA:
1. Digestion and Breakdown:
– The DNA in the food we eat is broken down during the digestive process. Enzymes in the stomach and intestines, such as nucleases, break down the DNA into smaller components called nucleotides and then further into nucleosides and nitrogenous bases.
– These smaller components are absorbed by the cells lining the intestines and can be used as building blocks for various biological molecules, including our own DNA and RNA.
2. Absorption and Utilization:
– The nucleotides and other breakdown products can be absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to various cells in the body, where they may be used in the synthesis of new DNA, RNA, and other cellular components.
3. No Integration into Our DNA:
– The DNA and genes from the food we consume are not integrated into our genome. Our body’s cells maintain their own DNA, which is inherited from our parents and remains largely unchanged throughout our lives (except for mutations or alterations due to environmental factors or disease).
4. No Effect on Genetic Traits:
– Consuming DNA from food does not affect our genetic traits or influence the genes that we pass on to our offspring. Our genetic information is stored in the DNA of our cells and is not altered by the DNA we ingest.
Conclusion
In summary, when we eat plants and animals, the DNA they contain is broken down into basic components during digestion and used by our bodies for various biological functions. However, this ingested DNA does not become part of our own genetic material or influence our genetic traits. Our genome remains separate and intact, preserving the genetic information that defines us as individuals.
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Indian researchers, in collaboration with Bharat Biotech and Washington University in St. Louis, have developed an innovative nasal vaccine for COVID-19 called iNCOVACC. This groundbreaking vaccine, which is administered through the nose, has received emergency use approval in India for both primaryRead more
Indian researchers, in collaboration with Bharat Biotech and Washington University in St. Louis, have developed an innovative nasal vaccine for COVID-19 called iNCOVACC. This groundbreaking vaccine, which is administered through the nose, has received emergency use approval in India for both primary vaccination and as a booster. Unlike traditional injectable vaccines, the nasal vaccine aims to block the virus right at its entry point in the nasal passages and upper respiratory tract, potentially preventing infection and breaking the transmission cycle.
The nasal vaccine’s ability to trigger a strong immune response directly where the virus enters the body is a significant advantage. This could not only prevent severe disease but also reduce the spread of the virus, which is a crucial aspect that injectable vaccines have struggled with. Moreover, the nasal vaccine is easier to administer, as it doesn’t require needles, making it more accessible and less intimidating, especially for those who fear injections.
This new approach could revolutionize the global fight against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. By focusing on mucosal immunity, the vaccine may be more effective in stopping the virus from spreading, thus playing a vital role in controlling the pandemic and preparing for future outbreaks. Additionally, the vaccine is designed to be cost-effective and easy to store, making it particularly suitable for use in low- and middle-income countries.
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