Genes Communicate Through Twisting: The Story of Supercoiling in DNA

Genes Communicate Through Twisting: The Story of Supercoiling in DNA

From Genetics (Audio) by UCTV

November 21, 2025 · 30 min

About this episode

Enoch Yeung discusses the complexities of DNA, its functions, and the implications of gene editing in biology.

It is well known that inside nearly every living cell on this planet, there are instructions powering the dynamics of everything in the cell, known as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Enoch Yeung, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UC, Santa Barbara, explains how DNA is the genetic code that tells cells where to live, how to live, and how to adapt when things get tough. Editing DNA has unlocked new potential in biology, enabled new therapeutics, diagnostics, and modes of treating diseases. Since DNA is double-stranded, it literally maintains a backup copy of itself to proof-read and facilitate stability of code. The double-stranded nature of DNA also means it can sometimes encode two messages in a given length! In short, DNA is amazing. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 41040]

People in this episode

Guest: Enoch Yeung

Topics covered

  • DNA
  • genetic code
  • cell dynamics
  • biological therapeutics
  • supercoiling
  • gene editing

Keywords

  • DNA
  • genetic code
  • supercoiling
  • gene editing
  • biological therapeutics
  • cell dynamics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UC, Santa Barbara

Products: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Books & works: GRIT Talks

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