Related Terms

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Background

• Antisense oligonucleotides are small molecules of genetic material designed to recognize and inactivate viral genes. In this way, oligonucleotides prevent viruses from replicating in the human body and can be used to treat viral infections. Oligonucleotides can also be used to prevent cancer cells from regenerating.
• Genes are found inside the nucleus of cells in all organisms. Genes provide the instructions for making proteins in the body. An individual's genes are contained in a large molecule called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which looks like a twisted ladder. This unique shape is called a double helix. The sides of the double helix are made of alternating sugar and phosphate molecules. The "rungs" of the "ladder" are made of small molecules called bases. These molecules include adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. All genes are composed of different combinations of these four molecules, which are arranged in single file. The sequence of these molecules provides the "code," or instructions, for each of the genes involved in the development, growth, and function of all the cells in the body.
• Humans have about 30,000 genes, each of which provides instructions for making a specific protein. Proteins are responsible for most of the chemical functions in the body. The genes, and a large amount of DNA that has other functions, are organized into molecules called chromosomes. Each person has 46 chromosomes, including 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes; males have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes. The total genetic composition of an individual is called the human genome.
• Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is composed of short molecules similar to and derived from DNA. Messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) complete the process of protein formation from the DNA code. RNA contains adenine, cytosine, and guanine like DNA, but instead of thymine it contains uracil.
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Methods

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Research

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Implications

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Limitations

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Safety

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Future Research

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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