# Innovative DNA Printing: Culinary Delights from Extinct Species
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Chapter 1: The Concept of Culinary Time Travel
Are you ready for a culinary journey through time? Imagine savoring treats made from the genetic legacy of extinct creatures. Mastodons, the distant relatives of modern elephants, share a resemblance to woolly mammoths, yet they belong to a unique species. In 2018, the biotech firm Geltor made headlines by introducing gummy snacks infused with mastodon collagen. But how exactly did they achieve this remarkable feat?
"Before we delve into the specifics, it's essential to grasp that although mastodons are no longer present to produce collagen, their genetic blueprint is still accessible, allowing us to recreate this protein."
Section 1.1: Understanding Protein Composition
Proteins are constructed from chains of amino acids that fold into distinct shapes. The uniqueness of a protein lies in its shape, which dictates its interactions with other molecules. The configuration of a protein is influenced by the bonds formed between amino acid residues. For instance, if a particular amino acid chain includes two sulfur-containing amino acids, they can bond through a covalent disulfide bond. Similarly, interactions involving hydrogen and oxygen atoms can lead to the formation of hydrogen bonds.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of Amino Acid Arrangement
"Understanding how proteins are synthesized by arranging amino acids is crucial. But does this mean we have to painstakingly arrange each amino acid when we want to create a protein? That would be incredibly time-consuming!"
Fortunately, we can leverage the capabilities of bacteria. CRISPR technology provides a way to persuade bacteria to produce molecules that benefit us rather than themselves. While amino acids form proteins, DNA nucleotide bases, namely T (thymine), G (guanine), C (cytosine), and A (adenine), code for these amino acids.
Section 1.2: The CRISPR Advantage
Three consecutive nucleotide bases correspond to a specific amino acid. For example, the sequences CAU or CAC encode for Histidine, while CAA or CAG correspond to Glutamine. CRISPR facilitates the insertion of desired DNA into organisms that can interpret and act on these nucleotide sequences.
Chapter 2: Crafting Collagen from Mastodon DNA
Now that we grasp how DNA sequences translate into amino acids, let’s examine Geltor's method for producing collagen from the long-gone elephant ancestor.
The first video titled Joe Rogan: "What's A DNA Printer?” explores the fascinating world of DNA printing technology. It provides insights into how this technology is revolutionizing various fields, including food science.
"To start, Geltor needed to acquire DNA sequences from mastodons. This step is straightforward—just a quick online search will suffice."
Next, the process of “printing” DNA begins, which involves organizing a sequence of nucleotide bases: T (thymine), G (guanine), C (cytosine), and A (adenine).
"The term 'printing' DNA refers to the assembly of nucleotide base molecules in a precise order, a task made feasible with information sourced online."
After printing the DNA strand, the next step is to utilize CRISPR to insert it into a suitable organism capable of interpreting and acting upon this DNA. Geltor successfully identified bacteria that could facilitate this process, enabling the production of mastodon gelatin, which was then transformed into delightful gummy snacks. How tasty!
The second video, Pioneering the Future of Food with 3D-Printed Cultured Meat, delves into the advancements in food technology that are shaping the future of culinary experiences.