An Proposed Explanation of the Bree Solution

[TOSG]

Nice job TOSG, Marla, Kelly.

The part I'm unsure of is how will they isolate the ribozyme from the blood? A blood sample will have plenty of RNA molecules unrelated to this ribozyme, so they need to be able to distinguish the correct RNAs from all the other naturally occurring molecules. So we need other information (possibly in the papers from Dr. Gilman?) that gives us either some actual sequence information for the ribozyme, or tells us what its biochemical activity is.

Quite true. But given Isaac Gilman's previous data regarding active ribozyme levels in Bree's bloodstream, it looks like he already has developed some way to isolate and quantify the ribozyme.

[robtomorrow]

I have a question. Why is it that only teen girls and twenty something girls are trait positive, assuming Kate Modern is trait positive? Spenser has already set us straight as to whether "purity bonds" are important or not. Why not women in their 30's or 40's or even men.

I kind of know the answer, but the answer that I am thinking of is OOC.

[Aponi]

I have a question. Why is it that only teen girls and twenty something girls are trait positive, assuming Kate Modern is trait positive? Spenser has already set us straight as to whether "purity bonds" are important or not. Why not women in their 30's or 40's or even men.

I kind of know the answer, but the answer that I am thinking of is OOC.

Considering Bree has a mutation in her ribozyme and this happens only rarely, there's probably been few previous trait positive people. Even less considering they have to be in the Hoo to get thier blood tested. Other people could be and not know.

That said, apperently this trait postive thing is like winning the HoO lottery and you get featured in the special 'ceremony'...and...well I think the outcome is pretty bleak to say the least.

[marlasinger]

I don't think it has much to do with age, trait wise. But indoctrinating and preparing a young woman looks like it could be easier at a young age than an older age. Yes?

I think the age might be a psychological factor as opposed to a genetic factor.

[TOSG]

I don't think it has much to do with age, trait wise. But indoctrinating and preparing a young woman looks like it could be easier at a young age than an older age. Yes?

I think the age might be a psychological factor as opposed to a genetic factor.

Agreed.

[fan]

I think you're trying to describe RNAi for some sci-fi application.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNA_interference

It's not RNAi. RNAi involves uptake of double-stranded RNA, and the subsequent cellular destruction of the gene that codes for that RNA, as a result.

This simply suggests that the single-stranded complementary strand is being injected, and binding to (and inactivating) the active ribozyme.

I've got to run, but I can elaborate on this later if people are still unclear.

From my understanding of cell bio, RNAi silences genes- it doesn't destroy - or even have anything to do with - DNA. You use a segment of RNA that you take from a double-stranded RNA (a sample you already have) and use it sort of like an antibody for RNA segments. When it binds, it blocks that section RNA, preventing transcription and silencing the gene. The gene on the DNA is still being transcribed from DNA to RNA- it is present, but not expressed. I really don't think we will ever play around with destroying genes since genes overlap and have many different functions. Maybe someone else is familiar with the idea, but I still think we're describing the same thing.

[TOSG]

I think you're trying to describe RNAi for some sci-fi application.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNA_interference

It's not RNAi. RNAi involves uptake of double-stranded RNA, and the subsequent cellular destruction of the gene that codes for that RNA, as a result.

This simply suggests that the single-stranded complementary strand is being injected, and binding to (and inactivating) the active ribozyme.

I've got to run, but I can elaborate on this later if people are still unclear.

From my understanding of cell bio, RNAi silences genes- it doesn't destroy - or even have anything to do with - DNA. You use a segment of RNA that you take from a double-stranded RNA (a sample you already have) and use it sort of like an antibody for RNA segments. When it binds, it blocks that section RNA, preventing transcription and silencing the gene. The gene on the DNA is still being transcribed from DNA to RNA- it is present, but not expressed. I really don't think we will ever play around with destroying genes since genes overlap and have many different functions. Maybe someone else is familiar with the idea, but I still think we're describing the same thing.

Yeah, sorry, I was a little bit off in my understanding of RNAi. You're right that it doesn't destroy the gene. Rather, it binds to mRNA transcripts of the gene, signaling for their destruction and thereby silencing the gene.

But it's not just a matter of blocking the mRNA - it actually signals for its destruction.

What I am describing here is more like how an inhibitor works on an enzyme, only the "enzyme" is the active strand (Bree's ribozyme), and the "inhibitor" is the complementary strand.

So, sorry for any confusion. Does what I'm saying make more sense now?

[robtomorrow]

What I am describing here is more like how an inhibitor works on an enzyme, only the "enzyme" is the active strand (Bree's ribozyme), and the is the complementary strand.

This wouldn't be a permanent solution would it? If they stopped injecting her with the "inhibitor" she would be the same as she was before, so she would still be "trait positive". If the Order already knows she is trait positive it wouldn't fool anyone.

What happened to flychiqk? I was hoping that she would be around to tell us if this biotech stuff makes any sense, but she hasn't posted for almost a month.

[TOSG]

What I am describing here is more like how an inhibitor works on an enzyme, only the "enzyme" is the active strand (Bree's ribozyme), and the is the complementary strand.

This wouldn't be a permanent solution would it? If they stopped injecting her with the "inhibitor" she would be the same as she was before, so she would still be "trait positive". If the Order already knows she is trait positive it wouldn't fool anyone.

You're right that it would likely not be permanent. It could be long-term, though, or easily sustainable with "booster shots."

It all comes down to what they need Bree and/or her ribozymes for. If all they needed was the gene, they would have simply taken a blood sample and be done with it.