Question

Why do you think alternative forms of DNA have been found by various researchers?

Answer 1

DNA as we know are the very basis of carrying the genetic instructions which are used in the growth, development, functioning and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses.

Many researchers and scientists have created genetic materials artificially similar to that of DNA which can store information and evolve it for generations.

These artificial forms are also called as XNAs.

The most important use of XNA would be knowing how did life evolved billions of years ago as they are able to work exactly as DNAs. Ultimately making scientists able to create various forms of life in the laboratory itself.

It was also found that these artificial materials are more stable than natural genetic material, hence heredity and evolution are possible using alternatives to natural genetic material.

Also XNA was have been proven to have the ability to stick to a protein which results into a material working like an antibody.

Studying alternatives of DNA would also tell why DNA became so crucial in each aspect of life, and if not DNA what can be used or even it can replace DNA or not.

To conclude alternative basically have been found to synthesis life artificially and know how it evolved in the best way possible.

All the best!