All about DNA Computing Technology.
                     ALL ABOUT DNA 
COMPUTING 
TECHNOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
• DNA computing, the performing of computations using biological molecules, 
rather than traditional silicon chips. 
• The idea that individual molecules could be used for computation dates to 
1959, when American physicist Richard Feynman presented his ideas on 
nanotechnology. 
Source: britannica.com/
WHAT IS DNA COMPUTING?
• DNA computing is what we would use to solve problems beyond the scope of 
what a classical computer can solve, the same way quantum computing can 
break RSA encryption in moments while it might take a classical computer 
thousands of years to do the same.
Source: Interestingengineering.com/
HOW DOES IT WORK?
• With DNA, the way the molecules can be triggered to bind with each other can 
be used to create a circuit of logic gates in test tubes. 
Source: technologyreview.com/
METHODS
• In one method, called DNA strand displacement, the input of DNA that binds to 
a DNA logic gate displaces a strand of DNA that serves as the output. 
• In another method, input DNA can bind to a DNA logic gate and activate 
naturally occurring enzymes such as polymerases and nucleases to cut strands 
of DNA. 
Source: Pioneering Minds
LIVING CELLS
• Researchers in Israel showed last year that DNA logic gates can also work inside 
living animals—cockroaches, in particular. 
• The researchers created DNA folded like origami to make what they called 
nanoscale robots.
Source: computer.howstuffworks.com/
A NEW LANGUAGE
• DNA-based computing demands something like a new programming language. 
Initial experiments used models of the reactions that occur with a given set of 
ingredients. 
• Microsoft has since developed a language it calls the DNA Strand Displacement 
tool.
Source: academic.edu
CALCULATE COMPLEX MATHEMATICAL 
PROBLEMS
• The success of the Adleman DNA computer proves that DNA can be used to 
calculate complex mathematical problems. 
• However, this early DNA computer is far from challenging silicon-based 
computers in terms of speed.
Source: Science Nordic
DNA LOGIC GATES
• The Rochester team's DNA logic gates are the first step toward creating a 
computer that has a structure similar to that of an electronic PC. 
• Instead of using electrical signals to perform logical operations, these DNA logic 
gates rely on DNA code. 
Source: Foglets
SOLVING PROBLEMS WITH DNA 
MOLECULES
• In DNA computing, information is represented using the four-character genetic 
alphabet (A [adenine], G [guanine], C [cytosine], and T [thymine]), rather than 
the binary alphabet (1 and 0) used by traditional computers.
• This is achievable because short DNA molecules of any arbitrary sequence may 
be synthesized to order. 
Source: Futurism
ADVANTAGES TO DNA COMPUTING
• The Rochester team's DNA logic gates are the first step toward creating a 
computer that has a structure similar to that of an electronic PC. Instead of 
using electrical signals to perform logical operations, these DNA logic gates rely 
on DNA code. 
Source: Shutterstock