DNA Computing

DNA computing is an emerging branch of computing which uses DNA, biochemistry, and molecular biology hardware, instead of the traditional silicon-based computer technologies. Research and development in this area concerns theory, experiments, and applications of DNA computing.

Go beyond the curriculum

An interesting link for discussion below: Stephen Meyer's perspective on DNA, arguing for intelligent design and a Creator God. 

https://signatureinthecell.com/

Suggested Video

Pros and Cons

The slow processing speed of a DNA computer (the response time is measured in minutes, hours or days, rather than milliseconds) is compensated by its potential to make a high amount of multiple parallel computations. This allows the system to take a similar amount of time for a complex calculation as for a simple one. This is achieved by the fact that millions or billions of molecules interact with each other simultaneously. However, it is much harder to analyze the answers given by a DNA computer than by a digital one.

Discussion questions

Article: https:/student.societyforscience.org/article/switch-living-computer

-1-.What is a transistor?

-2-.What material have scientists used to build a transistor?

-3-.What have scientists called this new type of transistor?

-4-.What possible application of this emerging technology does Jerome Bonnet give in the article?

5.Where might DNA-based computers be able to work (unlike conventional computers)?