Is it possible to interfere in our dna and make the cells reproduce

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of manipulating DNA to accelerate cell reproduction and the implications of such modifications. Participants explore theoretical aspects of cellular reproduction, potential applications in regenerative medicine, and the biological limitations of such interventions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of achieving a cell reproduction rate of 10 times per second, citing biological limits such as the time required for DNA synthesis and the necessary biological materials.
  • Another participant suggests that while rapid reproduction may not be possible, engineering cells to replicate uncontrollably is akin to cancerous behavior, referencing established literature on the subject.
  • A different viewpoint expresses concern that uncontrolled cell reproduction could lead to severe health issues, such as organ rupture, emphasizing the need for a balance between cell death and reproduction.
  • One participant introduces the idea of regenerative capabilities seen in certain lizards, questioning whether similar mechanisms could be induced in humans through DNA modification.
  • Another participant speculates that while significant advancements may take decades, lab-based solutions could emerge, though they caution against the risks of manipulating DNA without understanding the broader implications.
  • Some participants express optimism about the potential for regenerative medicine to replace lost limbs or organs, highlighting the exciting developments in science.
  • Concerns are raised about the costs associated with such advancements, suggesting that while the technology may be promising, it may not be accessible to everyone.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and disagreement. While there is a shared interest in the potential of DNA manipulation and regenerative medicine, opinions diverge on the feasibility, safety, and ethical implications of accelerating cell reproduction.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects various assumptions about biological processes, the complexity of DNA manipulation, and the potential consequences of such interventions, which remain unresolved.

cosmos seeker
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is it possible to interfere in our dna and make the cells reproduce very fast for exp: 10 times in a single second and manipulate the dna in that way so they can't stop renewing or reproducing
 
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It is probably impossible to get cells (any cells) to reproduce at 10 times in a second. Very simple bacterial cells in optimum conditions for growth, for example, have a doubling time of ~ 20 min. Cellular reproduction requires a considerable amount of biological material to be synthesized (e.g. DNA, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates). The rates of the chemical reactions and the rates it takes these compounds to be transported throughout the cell would place a fundamental limit on the doubling time of an cell. For example, the rate at which DNA polymerase enzymes can synthesize DNA is somewhere in the range of 10-100 nucleotides per second, so it would be difficult for these enzymes to synthesize even a minimal genome in a fraction of a second. Even if these enzymes were made to be "perfect catalysts" (the reaction rate is limited only by the rate of diffusion of the reactants), I don't think they could support a reproduction rate as high as 10 times per second. My guess as to the upper limit would be on the order of the rates seen in bacteria: tens of minutes. Perhaps one day we could design simple cell-like systems with doubling times on the order of minutes.

It is possible, however, to engineer human cells in ways that they can't stop reproducing. This is, essentially, what cancer cells are: cell that have accumulated mutations that allow them to replicate uncontrollably and indefinitely. A good discussion of factors required for cells to become "immortalized" is given in the following review by Hanahan and Weinberg, "The Hallmarks of Cancer" (http://www.weizmann.ac.il/home/fedomany/Bioinfo05/lecture6_Hanahan.pdf ).
 
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No i think it would kill you, because you would need cells to die at a equal rate, if not you would split your organs and bleed out. plus if your on about just some cells for people in post trauma they still need to get rid of the dead or damaged cells by braking down into there parts which takes time. so no i think it would kill you even if you needed more liver or what ever cells. Is that what you ment in your question. Plus as your dna copys as rna it loses a small amount of info can't remember the name of it but if i am wrong correct me
 
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thank you for giving answer to my question . i thought that by changing , modifiing the dna we can be able to do every thing .
well i have another question . there are some types of small lizards that if you cut their tail they are able to produce another one, but without causing cancer. their tail cells reproduce in a special way or something , and can we change our dna so our cells reproduce that way ?
 


Em maybe someday not for 50 years at least. Because there is to much there bone skin ect but maybe in a lab and then with surgery put on. As for playing with dna we cant, not with such a very small part of it like that because if we do rna can't be picked up and taken somewhere in the body to be made into a new cell. But if you were fix it so a cell could be copyed an unlimited number of times you would get into other problems
 
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maybe, its possible. But even if you were to accomplish that. What would speeding up the DNA process do?
 


Grow a arm for a person who has one taken of in a few months maybe. If so it will help. If it is made with your own dna it won't be rejected i think. forget arms think now of livers, kidneys, hearts, ect with current research it may happen cost and other things need to be taken into account time will tell. I think it is very cool and very exciting time in science now
 
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yes of course that was what i was talking about. think of all disabled persons that have lost an arm or a leg or need a new heart or something ,they could get a new heart or arm and say goodbye to the poor disabled life just by paying a small price
 


It would cost a lot
 

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