Answer to Question #340695 in Genetics for katie

Question

Explain how PNAs could be used to control protein translation. Make specific reference to curricular concepts and vocabulary.

Answer 1

PNAs are hybrids of peptides and nucleic acids that have the ability to hybridize with DNA and RNA. When PNA hybridizes to any nucleotide sequence that is in the middle of a single-stranded DNA, the transcription process stops at that hybridization site because RNA polymerase cannot access the DNA sequence. As a result, transcription at this site is interrupted, and an incomplete RNA chain comes out. In the process of translation, of course, such a sequence of peptides cannot emerge from this RNA chain, from which a full-fledged protein would then be formed. Therefore, PNA is used to inhibit the process of protein synthesis.