Descrambling the code

I was quite confused and distressed to discover that the base pairing sequences I learned only last week in my biology course have already changed their method of orientation. I was under the impression that the chemical properties inherent in cytosine, guanine, adenosine, and thymine have been there for many thousands, if not millions, of years, and have the ability to bond only in very discrete ways. The chemical composition of said bases allowed only for A to bond to T, and C with G.

What do I find on the cover of the Winter 1996 issue but that not only A, but also C, bonds with T, and that A is also capable of bonding with G! Such a change in the basic coding that is responsible for the entire continuation of species should be publicized in more obvious ways than minor technical drawings such as appear in university publications. I humbly suggest a nationwide notification as soon as possible (and before my exam).

April Greenberg
Columbia College '99

The Editors reply:

Your vision is as acute as your comprehension and wit. This bodes well for the future of our university, our world, and, indeed, life on Earth as we know it. Happily, life on Earth as we know it remains--well--as we know it, since nowhere except on our cover illustration can DNA molecules contain C-T or A-G base pairs. Now for the real question your professor is asking: Why didn't everyone in your class catch this goof?

What do you think? We invite your letters on the articles in this issue of 21stC. Postal Address: 21stC Box 1369, Central Mail Room, Mail Code 4725 Columbia University New York, NY 10027 E-mail address (new!): 21stC@columbia.edu 21stC reserves the right to print all or part of any letter received.