The RNA Revolution

Biology’s Big Bang

1. Biotechnology: Definition

Biotechnology is any technique that uses living organisms or substances from those organisms, to make or modify a product, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific purposes (Office of Technology Assessment, United States Congress).

2. Genetic engineering

(1) Genetic engineering: the specific modification or transfer of genetic material, underlies modern biotechnological innovation.

(2) Applications: Agriculture and animal husbandry. Pharmacy, medical treatment and healthcare. Pollution control, mining and energy productio

n.

3. Definition of DNA and RNA

DNA: the hereditary materials in all organisms that is located in the cell nucleus that makes up the genes and chromosomes in cells.

RNA: a nucleic acid molecule similar to DNA but containing ribose （核糖） rather than deoxyribose（脱氧核糖） . RNA is formed upon a DNA template.

4. The Planetary Model

5. The double helix

6. The function of RNA

Three major classes of RNA:(1) mRNA: messenger RNA carries the

genetic information.(2) tRNA: transfer RNA is the adapter

molecule.(3) rRNA: ribosomal RNA is found in the

ribosomes. The 23S (and 28S) rRNA is the catalytic agent in protein synthesis.

7. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNA)

They play a diversity of functions in different processes.

(1) telomere RNA.(2) snRNA.(3) snoRNA.(4) gRNA.(5) tmRNA.(6) M1 RNA.

8. Main ideas and structurePart 1 Introduction: (1) The discovery of neutron explains the working of atom.(2) The recognition of the function of RNA is as important as the discove

ry of neutron.Part 2 Biotechnology is bound to change the world in the 21st century.(1) The development of physics has greatly changed the world.(2) The development of biotechnology is sure to change the world.(3) Physics helps us to understand the universe.Part 3 The importance of RNA(1) Biology helps us to understand human beings.(2) RNA as the operating system of the cell will play a critical role in our

understanding of human beings.(3) Eventually we will be able to understand the role of RNA.

9. Questions for Feeling at Home

(1) What are the dilemmas of the host countries and the immegrants?

(2) What are the major problems hindering the integration of the immegrants?

(3) What are the costs the host countries have to pay for failing to integrate the immegrants?

(4) What is the structure of the article?

(5) How does the writer presents his arguments?