Third Strand of DNA

[RichardR]

I meet a lot of New Age nut-jobs here in California. Don't laugh - they're preferable to the bible bashers of the south. Anyway, I heard one recently twittering on about going on some "course" she was going on where you can change your DNA by adding a third strand. All sorts of benefits were available to the enlightened ones. So I did a google and turned up several hilarious woo woo sites. For example, there was The Sirian Revelations - Channeled Teachings for the Awakening of Earth:

This two-day intensive course, facilitated by Sirian Light Beings, focuses on opening the energy byways, drawing from the multi-dimensional self the innate abilities that will prepare us for ascension. Guided by Light Beings from many dimensions, we will be shown the way to the acceleration of our spiritual and emotional experience – preparing the way for the activation of the third strand of DNA and the awakening of the light body.

Activation of the new crystalline matrix that is forming in our evolving beings (the integration of this additional strand of DNA), creates triangulation within the consciousness of every cell of our physical bodies – the Trinity of divine awareness. The entire energy body, the chakras and their corresponding glandular systems (particularly the pineal gland) the Ida and Pingala energy byways, the auric body – every aspect of existence in the world of matter is about to CHANGE and we, the awakening, are eager to accelerate that process. We are ready for change. We came into this reality to facilitate the Great Awakening about to take place on Planet Earth and we are grateful for the opportunity to be of service here, as guardians of the collective soul.

And I'm sure we're grateful to them back.

Then there is this from the SALEM NEW AGE CENTER:

For those who embrace the change and the newness, they are coming into a new way of being. The third strand of DNA developing in your body makes you a christ. A living, holy trinity. In realizing yourself as the living trinity you will move beyond duality. The new amino acids will make it easier for your brain to fire off the new codes. Putting this in layman's terms you will be growing new intelligence. The new amino acids will activate parts of your consciousness unused for a very very long time. Now you are aware that your scientists report to you that you use six percent of your physical brain capacity. Geniuses use about eight to ten percent. These changes within you will create programs that will allow you to activate more of who you really are. Stop and think what mankind has done with just six percent of their consciousness, what you have created personally and as a collective on the planet? What could you do with the other 94% of your brain capacity?

What indeed. Apply critical thinking, perhaps?

Google it yourself – there are lots more. But the funny thing is, there are a lot of apparently legit scientific sites referring to a third strand of DNA too. A couple of examples:

Nucleic Acids Research:

We present experiments indicating that the SV40 large T-antigen (T-ag) helicase is capable of unwinding the third strand of DNA triple helices.

UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry:

Much of our research is on unusual nucleic acid structures. These include DNA and RNA triplexes and quadruplexes and aptamers. Triplexes are formed by binding of a third strand of DNA or RNA in the major groove of Watson-Crick duplex DNA.

An apparent Biochemistry exam:

3. While bases in DNA usually form base-pairs, it is possible for a third strand of DNA to bind in the major grove through the formation of base triplets. The figure illustrates one such base triplet which only forms at lower pH values. Hydrogen bonds are indicated as dotted lines. (My apologies for the poor artistic quality.) Label the bases involved in this structure and explain why it only forms at lower pH. (15 pts)

So I'm puzzled. Does anyone know what this third strand could possibly be for? I thought DNA had two strands as DNA's way of copying itself – the double helix splits in two and then each of the two strands has another copied to it. So what would a third be for? Also, I thought that RNA was copied from lengths of DNA, and that the RNA is what codes for proteins. So how would a third strand of DNA make any difference? Clearly, I don't know what I'm talking about.

If anyone understands this I would be really interested in knowing what examples there are of DNA with three strands, what it does and what its significance is. Oh yes, and I'd really love to know how the Light Beings from many dimensions are involved and where I can meet one.

 

[LostAngeles]

Excuse me, eyes need to be put back in head here. They tried to run away after seeing that.

So essentially the nutjobs latched onto a legitimate discovery and are now using it to sell Crystal Light meditation with Sirius Light Beings from another dimension so you can increase your brain power like every other woo system?

Ozaki fragments in return.

It's over my head, but if it helps the topic, go for it.

 

[Capsid]

I did a search on Pubmed and there appears to be a lot of research activity in this field, mainly as a way of finding DNA sequences that can bind to the normal double helix and then interfere with it as a possible therapeutic intervention of faulty genes.

The role of triple forms is unclear but from this article

"The formation of single-strands and transmolecular triplexes is thought to enable sequences spaced distantly along the genome to associate with each other and organize nuclear DNA into ordered configurations."

So it could be a way of organising and packing your DNA in the nucleus. After all there is a lot of DNA to pack into a very small volume.

 

[RichardR]

Excuse me, eyes need to be put back in head here. They tried to run away after seeing that.

So essentially the nutjobs latched onto a legitimate discovery and are now using it to sell Crystal Light meditation with Sirius Light Beings from another dimension so you can increase your brain power like every other woo system?

That's it. You're getting the idea.

6%? Gee, isn't it 10% of our brains we use?

That's what I thought too.

I've just asked my biology major friend about third DNA strands since he likes to explain things all nice and neat to me sometimes and got replication and Ozaki fragments in return.

It's over my head, but if it helps the topic, go for it.

That seems to be saying what I thought happened. Nothing about a third strand, unless I'm mistaken. Good article, though.

 

[RichardR]

I did a search on Pubmed and there appears to be a lot of research activity in this field, mainly as a way of finding DNA sequences that can bind to the normal double helix and then interfere with it as a possible therapeutic intervention of faulty genes.

The role of triple forms is unclear but from this article

"The formation of single-strands and transmolecular triplexes is thought to enable sequences spaced distantly along the genome to associate with each other and organize nuclear DNA into ordered configurations."

I think this was your link.

It seems to be saying you get some triples and (therefore) some singles. I'm still puzzled. Although I'm beginning to doubt the whole Guided by Light Beings from many dimensions, thing.

 

[Rolfe]

We already had a thread on this subject. Might be useful to review it.

Rolfe.

 

[RichardR]

We already had a thread on this subject. Might be useful to review it.

Thanks for that - I didn't see that thread. And I miss Xouper's contributions on the craziness of the Newage Sewage.

From pgwenthold (quoting a Chinese paper): Functions of triplex DNA include regulating genetic expression and transcription, protecting the DNA sequence from enzyme cleavage, serving as a mol. cleaver.

That seems to partially answer my question (despite the fact I have no idea what a mol cleaver is).

 

[Rolfe]

I notice Xouper's avatar no longer reads "Xouper has left the building". Odd, because as far as I know he hasn't been back.

Rolfe.