What is a DNA Computer?
A DNA computer is made up of specific DNA strands. The select combination of DNA strands essentially ‘solves’ a problem. Nanocomputers are another concept to understand because these machines utilise DNA for the storage of data and to complete complicated calculations. DNA itself operates as a building block in a huge range of areas such as nanotechnology and molecular computing. It is also important not to become too narrow in how we envision the concept of a ‘computer.’ When we speak about computers, most of us are thinking of our desktop personal computers or our handy laptop. DNA computers are an entirely different concept, although they still have applications that could support our daily computing needs. DNA computers can be tiny enough to work in the human body, where they may one day perform tasks such as identifying diseased cells or releasing insulin as required for a diabetic patient. Solving the DNA Computing Problems There are many areas that can benefit from DNA computing
A DNA computer is a molecular computer that works biochemically. It “computes” using enzymes that react with DNA strands, causing chain reactions. The chain reactions act as a kind of simultaneous computing or parallel processing, whereby many possible solutions to a given problem can be presented simultaneously with the correct solution being one of the results. The word “computer” is somewhat misleading in this context, as most people think of a computer today as a machine that can generate word processing, produce spreadsheets, display graphics, cruise the Internet and play MP3 files. However, at its core, it is a collection of electronic impulses working across silicon-based circuitry. Electronic computers store information in binary form, then reassemble and interpret that information in a meaningful way. A DNA computer has the same basic ability to store information and compute solutions, though its methodology is different in that it works off molecular automations, or preset re
DNA computers will be the next-generation computers made of genes’ building blocks. Because of their speed, miniaturization and data storage potential DNA computers are being considered as a replacement for silicon-based computers. Current DNA computer research has already proven that DNA computers are capable of solving complex mathematical equations and storing enormous amounts of data.
