i've literally tracked down the DNA and i have no idea what it means. help
By this point most of us probably know the spirals from weapons such as Godslayer's greatsword and Sacred Relic sword, and spells/incants of crucible/primeval glintstone energy stuff are based on the DNA helix structure...but "how specifically?" is the question which I seriously regret asking.
In doing said research I realized I might need a medical student, expert or geneticist or cytologist to provide a deeper explanation as to what the heck I found. Because two semesters worth of medical studies did not get me far into DNA beyond the basics.
Two Finger Talisman - Chromosomes
Chromosomes are thread-like structures located in the nucleus of cells that carry genetic information in the form of DNA. They are composed of DNA and proteins, with DNA being tightly coiled around proteins called histones. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46, with one set inherited from each parent.
Chromosomes package and organize DNA, which contains the genetic information (genes) that determine an organism's traits and functions.
Godslayer's greatsword - DNA helix unwinding/unravelling
DNA unwinding, also known as DNA denaturation or strand separation, is the process where the two strands of the DNA double helix separate. This is crucial for DNA replication, repair, and transcription, as it exposes the DNA's base pairs, allowing enzymes and other molecules to access the genetic code. DNA unwinding is facilitated by enzymes called helicases, which use energy from ATP to break the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs.
Metyr & Dragonlord Placidusax - DNA Replication Bubble and DNA Replication Fork
As helicases unwind the DNA, they create a Y-shaped structure called the replication fork, where the two strands are separated.
Sacred Relic sword & Bolt of Gransax - DNA winding
DNA winding refers to the double helix shape and how it's further coiled (supercoiling) to fit inside cells, a critical process involving twisting and untwisting for functions like replication and transcription, managed by enzymes to relieve strain and enable gene access.
Spiral/Ring/Ouroboros reference that can be found almost everywhere in Elden Ring & Remembrance of the Impaler and Shadow Sunflower - DNA Supercoiling
DNA supercoiling refers to the over- or under-winding of a DNA strand, and is an expression of the strain on that strand. It is important in a number of biological processes, such as compacting DNA.
“Supercoiling” is an abstract mathematical property representing the sum of twist and writhe. The twist is the number of helical turns in the DNA and the writhe is the number of times the double helix crosses over on itself (these are the supercoils).
Additionally, certain enzymes such as topoisomerases are able to change DNA topology to facilitate functions such as DNA replication or transcription.
Fingerslaying blade - DNA single strand breaks (SSBs)
A DNA single-strand break (SSB) is a discontinuity in one strand of the DNA double helix. These breaks are a common type of DNA damage, with cells experiencing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands per day. While SSBs are usually repaired quickly, if left unrepaired, they can lead to genome instability and cellular dysfunction.
Fire Knight's Shortsword, Fire Knight's greatsword & Queelign's greatsword - R-loop structure in DNA-RNA hybrid via DNA strand displacement/strand invasion
RNA invading a DNA strand, forming an RNA:DNA hybrid, is a process crucial for various biological functions like transcription, DNA repair, and genome editing. This invasion, also known as strand displacement, involves RNA displacing one strand of the DNA double helix to form a hybrid structure, sometimes called an R-loop.
R-loops are three-stranded nucleic acid structures crucial for various cellular processes, including gene expression, DNA replication, and genomic stability. However, excessive or unresolved R-loops can lead to DNA damage and genome instability and potentially contribute to diseases like neurological disorders, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
R-loops can induce DNA damage, but they are also involved in DNA repair mechanisms. For example, they can promote DNA double-strand break repair.
R-loops play a significant role in telomere maintenance and stability. Telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, rely on a delicate balance of R-loop formation and resolution to ensure proper replication and prevent genomic instability.
Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes. They prevent the chromosome ends from fraying, tangling, or fusing with other chromosomes.
The chromosome ends can be recognized as broken DNA by the cell's repair mechanisms.
Telomeres prevent this from happening by hiding the chromosome ends from these repair systems, ensuring the cell doesn't try to fix something that isn't actually broken.
Telomeres also allow cells to divide without losing important genetic information. Each time a cell divides, the telomeres become slightly shorter.
Eventually, they become too short, and the cell can no longer divide, leading to cell senescence (aging) or cell death.
By preventing chromosome fusions and degradation, telomeres help maintain the integrity of the genome.
Telomere shortening is linked to the aging process, and telomere length can be a factor in age-related diseases. Some studies suggest that telomere length may even be a biomarker for brain aging.
