DNA Signature
The DNA is, even more, a unique signature. We share 60% of our DNA code with tomato (tomato has 7,000 more genes than a human being!) and 99% with chimpanzees, still, there are no two other humans that have the same genetic code. (In 1984 Professor Alec Jeffreys discovered the variations in DNA, unique to each individual.) I was thinking about how biodesign and designing biological entities would change our approach to genetic code. Maybe we would like to claim our authorship and sign our creations in the language of the nucleotides? We do that currently through procreation but in the future, it might look quite different. That is why I synthesized DNA strands with my name encoded in it.
I was thinking later about kinships and wondering are there any existing currently organisms with my name inscribed in their DNA. That is why I compared my synthesized name with the codes of so far catalogued organisms. It showed that my name is closest to part of the DNA of bacteria Shewanella psychrophila. This is very interesting bacteria lives in the deep-sea sediment and one of its strains is investigated for the possibility of generating electric current. Shewanella consists of facultatively anaerobic Gram-negative rods, most of which are found in extreme aquatic habitats where the temperature is very low and the pressure is very high.
Karolina Sulich
I am an post-artist/designer/DIY biologist. Passionate about adding “A” to STEM- integrating arts with science. I have experience in set design, graphic design, curatorial practices. Life is too short and too interesting to do one thing only.
My current prime interest lies at the intersections of arts, science, and technology. Especially I am interested in advancements in genetics and molecular biology. Those are the areas that I am studying. My ultimate goal is to assist, spread a word and prepare society for the biotechnological revolution, and work towards equal access to knowledge about it. I am an avid advocate for transparent research practices and citizen science.
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