Beyond the Double Helix

Synopsis

Since the modelling of DNA by Crick and Watson in 1953 as a double helix, there has been much research into how it compacts itself into cells and how it functions in protein synthesis. Shows how DNA packs itself into a cell, which consists of several hierarchical stages, using computer animation to illustrate the level of compaction. This information is obtained by illustrating techniques of growing crystals and analysing them in x-ray spectrometers. This leads to electron density information about DNA and the way in which it can function in a cell. Illustrates the way proteins bind to specific sites on DNA in transcription and expounds the idea of a ‘genetic switch’ which regulates expression in lambda bacteriophage. Looks at the role of DNA ‘bending’ in the way certain proteins act co-operatively at distant sites on DNA, and describes an elegant experiment to demonstrate how this works.

Series

Genetics, Course S298

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 25 min.

Year of production

1986

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Subjects

Biology

Keywords

DNA; genetics; proteins

Credits

Producer

Nick Brenton

Cast

Lesley Judd

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk