The
Royal Society of New Zealand - Rotorua Branch
Promoting Excellence in Science & Technology
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Promoting Excellence in Science & Technology
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Rotorua Royal Society Presentation Beauty
and the Beast: The Intriguing World of the Ribosomal DNA Genes Austen Ganley Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Massey University
Tuesday, 1st July, 2008 I will given a general introduction to the fascinating world of the ribosomal DNA gene repeats (rDNA). The rDNA is one of the most fundamental and ancient genes. It is also among the most conserved, being found universally in life. This is because it encodes the RNA component of the cell's protein-making factory, the ribosome. However, it turns out that this is not all the rDNA does: it is centrally involved in many aspects of cell biology, some surprising. In this talk, I want to introduce you to three important and interesting aspects of the rDNA. The first is the unusual and dynamic evolution of the rDNA, which comes from it having many copies to make enough ribosomes. The second aspect is new findings demonstrating a relationship between the rDNA and cancer. The third aspect is a provocative potential role for the rDNA in aging. I will mention some of the work we are doing to understand these roles of the rDNA, and will tie these threads together to show that the rDNA is one of the most interesting places around.
Non-members are welcome, your gold coin donation is appreciated.
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