Our information technology infrastructure is based on the storage of information in bits (which are made up of two digits: 0s and 1s), whereas DNA information is stored in strings of four potential base units. For example:
Bits (1001100111)
DNA Sequence (AGTCATGAC)
So, to store non-genetic information in DNA, we must first translate binary data from bits to the four unit (AGCT) structure of DNA data.
While this is not difficult theoretically, it presents some complications in practice.
Converting Bits into DNA sequence.
Since DNA uses organic matter, DNA data storage will be far more efficient than our current data storage mechanisms. Data stored in molecular form will use only the bare minimum number of atoms necessary for storage.
Scientists have successfully stored data in synthetic DNA. Synthetic DNA is like real DNA, but is created from scratch by scientists. The data stored on synthetic DNA is kept in test tubes, and not attached to any living organisms.
Read more
Bits (1001100111)
DNA Sequence (AGTCATGAC)
So, to store non-genetic information in DNA, we must first translate binary data from bits to the four unit (AGCT) structure of DNA data.
While this is not difficult theoretically, it presents some complications in practice.
Converting Bits into DNA sequence.
Since DNA uses organic matter, DNA data storage will be far more efficient than our current data storage mechanisms. Data stored in molecular form will use only the bare minimum number of atoms necessary for storage.
Scientists have successfully stored data in synthetic DNA. Synthetic DNA is like real DNA, but is created from scratch by scientists. The data stored on synthetic DNA is kept in test tubes, and not attached to any living organisms.
Read more
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