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[[Image:DNA.jpg|thumb|Human DNA]]
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[[File:DNA.jpg|thumb|Human DNA]]
[[Image:Vulcan DNA schematic.jpg|thumb|Vulcan DNA]]
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[[File:Vulcan DNA schematic.jpg|thumb|Vulcan DNA]]
'''Deoxyribonucleic acid''' ('''DNA''') is the building block of life. It is the blueprint for a living [[lifeform|organism]] and encodes [[amino acid]]s for polypeptides which form [[protein]]s, which, when properly sequenced, form [[cell (biology)|cellular]] pathways that together form the physical structure and [[anatomy|anatomical]] characteristics of an organic [[lifeform]].
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'''Deoxyribonucleic acid''', or '''DNA''', is the building block of life. It is the blueprint for a living [[lifeform|organism]] and encodes [[amino acid]]s for [[polypeptide]]s which form [[protein]]s, which, when properly sequenced, form {{dis|cell|biology}}ular pathways that together form the physical structure and [[anatomy|anatomical]] characteristics of an [[organic]] [[lifeform]].
   
DNA samples are collected from all [[Vulcan]] children at birth and kept on file by the Vulcan government. ({{ENT|The Forge}}
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DNA samples were collected from all [[Vulcan]] children at birth and kept on file by the Vulcan government. ({{ENT|The Forge}})
   
 
By matching DNA gene types, [[Starfleet]] was able to identify [[Jono]] as [[Jeremiah Rossa]]. ({{TNG|Suddenly Human}})
 
By matching DNA gene types, [[Starfleet]] was able to identify [[Jono]] as [[Jeremiah Rossa]]. ({{TNG|Suddenly Human}})
   
If DNA is changed in some way, the host organism responds to the change by re-making itself in the form specified by the new DNA, often extremely rapidly. Semi-corporeal beings such as the [[Founder]]s also had DNA though there is no evidence they had any cellular structure or indeed any cells.
+
If DNA is changed in some way, the host organism responds to the change by re-making itself in the form specified by the new DNA, often extremely rapidly. Semi-corporeal beings such as the [[Founder]]s also had DNA, though there is no evidence they had any cellular structure or indeed any cells.
   
  +
In [[2367]], [[Ishara Yar]] offered to have her DNA tested as a means of proving that she was [[Lieutenant]] [[Natasha Yar]]'s [[Familial connection#Siblings|sister]]. The test was administered by [[Doctor]] [[Beverly Crusher]] and proved that her claim was true. ({{TNG|Legacy}})
In [[2369]], following clues developed by his mentor, [[Richard Galen]], [[Jean-Luc Picard]] discovered evidence that an ancient race of [[ancient humanoid|humanoids]] had seeded many planets with their DNA billions of years earlier. The evidence suggested that [[Human]]s, [[Romulan]]s, [[Klingon]]s, [[Cardassian]]s, and others may have far more in common than previously believed. ({{TNG|The Chase}})
 
   
  +
In [[2369]], when Lieutenant [[Reginald Barclay]] was exposed to a high-energy [[plasma]] field in a [[transporter]] field, [[Doctor]] [[Beverly Crusher]] wanted to examine him using a base pair correlation to see if there was any sign of breakdown in his DNA. ({{TNG|Realm of Fear}})
DNA extracted from a [[male]] could be used to [[pregnancy|impregnate]] a [[female]]. In [[2372]], [[Seska]] claimed she impregnated herself with DNA she had stolen from [[Commander]] [[Chakotay]] while he was her prisoner. ({{VOY|Maneuvers}})
 
   
  +
Also in [[2369]], [[Doctor]] [[Beverly Crusher]] investigated the cause of the age reversion of four crew members. She explained that unlike DNA, which never changed, [[RVN]] took on additional varoxic sequences during puberty. ({{TNG|Rascals}})
:''The result of [[Ancient Humanoid]] DNA being spread across [[the galaxy]] is the [[humanoid]] form itself. This DNA creates a tendency toward a specific external form. The similarity created allows even for [[inter-species reproduction]] between species that evolved [[quadrant]]s apart. It should be noted that the internal workings even down to the base [[element]] of the [[blood]] can still be quite diverse. ''
 
  +
 
That same year, following clues developed by his mentor, [[Richard Galen]], [[Jean-Luc Picard]] discovered evidence that an ancient race of [[ancient humanoid|humanoids]] had seeded many planets with their DNA billions of years earlier. The evidence suggested that [[Human]]s, [[Romulan]]s, [[Klingon]]s, [[Cardassian]]s, and others may have far more in common than previously believed. ({{TNG|The Chase}})
  +
 
{{bginfo|The result of this DNA being spread across the [[Milky Way Galaxy]] is the [[humanoid]] form itself. This DNA creates a tendency toward a specific external form. The similarity created allows even for [[inter-species reproduction]] between species that evolved [[quadrant]]s apart. It should be noted that the internal workings even down to the base [[element]] of the [[blood]] can still be quite diverse.}}
  +
  +
In [[2370]], a DNA test established that [[Rugal]] was the son of [[Kotan Pa'Dar]]. ({{DS9|Cardassians}})
  +
  +
The [[counter-insurgency program]] on [[Deep Space 9]] employed a DNA scan to verify the identity of [[Gul]] [[Dukat]], preventing [[Elim Garak]] from posing as him. ({{DS9|Civil Defense}})
  +
 
DNA extracted from a [[gender|male]] could be used to [[pregnancy|impregnate]] a female. In [[2372]], [[Seska]] claimed she impregnated herself with DNA she had stolen from [[Commander]] [[Chakotay]] while he was her prisoner. ({{VOY|Maneuvers}})
  +
  +
The [[missile]] [[Cardassian ATR-4107]] ("''Dreadnought''") used a DNA scan on anyone visiting it to establish their identity. ({{VOY|Dreadnought}})
  +
  +
Each cell of the DNA of a member of [[Species 8472]] contained more than one hundred times the DNA of a Human cell, making them the most densely coded lifeform that [[The Doctor]] had ever seen. ({{VOY|Scorpion}})
  +
  +
In [[2374]], certain segments of the DNA of a number of {{USS|Voyager}} crew were hyper-stimulated as part of the experiments by the [[Srivani]], resulting in dangerous [[mutation]]s. ({{VOY|Scientific Method}})
  +
  +
In [[2375]], [[Commander]] [[Valerie Archer]] (secretly a member of [[Species 8472]] in disguise) shared a [[kiss]] with Commander Chakotay to obtain his DNA, which she was then able to analyze to prove that he was Human. ({{VOY|In the Flesh}})
  +
  +
The [[Kobali]] used an extensive process that involved altering DNA of the dead from other races to create new members of their species. ({{VOY|Ashes to Ashes}})
  +
  +
A strand of DNA, presumably from an [[Earth]] species was seen in the resetting [[time stream]] after the end of the [[Temporal Cold War]]. ({{ENT|Storm Front, Part II}})
   
 
== Background ==
 
== Background ==
As DNA was relatively unknown in the 1960s, ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series]]'' has no mention of this rather significant piece of medical science, even though DNA would have been well known in the 2260s according to ''Star Trek'' canon. It is also for this reason that Original Series episodes depended on other medical methods, whereas DNA samples would have been the preferred choice. Such examples include the voice print identification of [[Kodos]], seen in {{TOS|The Conscience of the King}}, and a reference to "medical plates" during the examination of [[Peter Kirk]] in {{TOS|Operation -- Annihilate!}}.
+
As DNA research was relatively new in the 1960s (DNA structure was first established in 1953 with the first notable DNA sequencing research conducted in 1973), ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series]]'' has no mention of this rather significant piece of medical science, even though DNA would have been well known in the 2260s according to ''Star Trek'' canon. It is also for this reason that ''Original Series'' episodes depended on other medical methods, whereas DNA samples would have been the preferred choice. Such examples include the voice print identification of [[Kodos]], seen in {{TOS|The Conscience of the King}}, and a reference to "medical plates" during the examination of [[Peter Kirk]] in {{TOS|Operation -- Annihilate!}}.
   
 
=== See also ===
 
=== See also ===
Line 27: Line 49:
 
== External link ==
 
== External link ==
 
* {{Wikipedia}}
 
* {{Wikipedia}}
 
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
 
[[Category:Biology]]
 
   
 
[[de:DNS]]
 
[[de:DNS]]
  +
[[fr:ADN]]
 
[[nl:DNA]]
 
[[nl:DNA]]
 
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
 
[[Category:Biology]]

Revision as of 16:41, 8 July 2015

DNA

Human DNA

Vulcan DNA schematic

Vulcan DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the building block of life. It is the blueprint for a living organism and encodes amino acids for polypeptides which form proteins, which, when properly sequenced, form cellular pathways that together form the physical structure and anatomical characteristics of an organic lifeform.

DNA samples were collected from all Vulcan children at birth and kept on file by the Vulcan government. (ENT: "The Forge")

By matching DNA gene types, Starfleet was able to identify Jono as Jeremiah Rossa. (TNG: "Suddenly Human")

If DNA is changed in some way, the host organism responds to the change by re-making itself in the form specified by the new DNA, often extremely rapidly. Semi-corporeal beings such as the Founders also had DNA, though there is no evidence they had any cellular structure or indeed any cells.

In 2367, Ishara Yar offered to have her DNA tested as a means of proving that she was Lieutenant Natasha Yar's sister. The test was administered by Doctor Beverly Crusher and proved that her claim was true. (TNG: "Legacy")

In 2369, when Lieutenant Reginald Barclay was exposed to a high-energy plasma field in a transporter field, Doctor Beverly Crusher wanted to examine him using a base pair correlation to see if there was any sign of breakdown in his DNA. (TNG: "Realm of Fear")

Also in 2369, Doctor Beverly Crusher investigated the cause of the age reversion of four crew members. She explained that unlike DNA, which never changed, RVN took on additional varoxic sequences during puberty. (TNG: "Rascals")

That same year, following clues developed by his mentor, Richard Galen, Jean-Luc Picard discovered evidence that an ancient race of humanoids had seeded many planets with their DNA billions of years earlier. The evidence suggested that Humans, Romulans, Klingons, Cardassians, and others may have far more in common than previously believed. (TNG: "The Chase")

The result of this DNA being spread across the Milky Way Galaxy is the humanoid form itself. This DNA creates a tendency toward a specific external form. The similarity created allows even for inter-species reproduction between species that evolved quadrants apart. It should be noted that the internal workings even down to the base element of the blood can still be quite diverse.

In 2370, a DNA test established that Rugal was the son of Kotan Pa'Dar. (DS9: "Cardassians")

The counter-insurgency program on Deep Space 9 employed a DNA scan to verify the identity of Gul Dukat, preventing Elim Garak from posing as him. (DS9: "Civil Defense")

DNA extracted from a male could be used to impregnate a female. In 2372, Seska claimed she impregnated herself with DNA she had stolen from Commander Chakotay while he was her prisoner. (VOY: "Maneuvers")

The missile Cardassian ATR-4107 ("Dreadnought") used a DNA scan on anyone visiting it to establish their identity. (VOY: "Dreadnought")

Each cell of the DNA of a member of Species 8472 contained more than one hundred times the DNA of a Human cell, making them the most densely coded lifeform that The Doctor had ever seen. (VOY: "Scorpion")

In 2374, certain segments of the DNA of a number of USS Voyager crew were hyper-stimulated as part of the experiments by the Srivani, resulting in dangerous mutations. (VOY: "Scientific Method")

In 2375, Commander Valerie Archer (secretly a member of Species 8472 in disguise) shared a kiss with Commander Chakotay to obtain his DNA, which she was then able to analyze to prove that he was Human. (VOY: "In the Flesh")

The Kobali used an extensive process that involved altering DNA of the dead from other races to create new members of their species. (VOY: "Ashes to Ashes")

A strand of DNA, presumably from an Earth species was seen in the resetting time stream after the end of the Temporal Cold War. (ENT: "Storm Front, Part II")

Background

As DNA research was relatively new in the 1960s (DNA structure was first established in 1953 with the first notable DNA sequencing research conducted in 1973), Star Trek: The Original Series has no mention of this rather significant piece of medical science, even though DNA would have been well known in the 2260s according to Star Trek canon. It is also for this reason that Original Series episodes depended on other medical methods, whereas DNA samples would have been the preferred choice. Such examples include the voice print identification of Kodos, seen in TOS: "The Conscience of the King", and a reference to "medical plates" during the examination of Peter Kirk in TOS: "Operation -- Annihilate!".

See also

External link