Although each gene plays a specific role in the cell, sometimes errors in the DNA cause two ordinary genes to fuse into a single entity, with novel characteristics that can lead to a tumor,» said co-senior author Raul Rabadan, PhD, assistant professor in the department of Biomedical Informatics and the Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Columbia Initiative in Systems Biology. (newsroom.cumc.columbia.edu)
It allows yeast to stockpile an arsenal of genetic variation and then release it to express a host of novel characteristics, including the ability to grow well in altered environments. (uchospitals.edu)
Materials with these novel characteristics would be useful in devices such as rechargeable batteries, sensors, gas converters and fuel cells. (sciencedaily.com)