Researchers have developed a scalable PCR technique for DNA storage, making it viable for archival purposes and obsoleting energy-consuming data centres. In this article, you can read more about the emerging technology of DNA data storage, its applications and benefits from the IAS exam perspective. This topic is relevant for the GS paper III science and technology segment.
DNA Data Storage
DNA data storage is the process of using DNA molecules as a storage medium. The magnetic and optical forms of storage technologies currently used use binary digits for storing data. But in DNA storage, they are not stored in binary digits, i.e., 1s and 0s, instead, data are encoded into DNA nucleotide bases (adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) and cytosine (C)) and stored. These strands are then converted to binary digits when needed.
Differences between Traditional Data Storage and DNA-based Data Storage:Â
| Traditional Data Storage | DNA-based Data Storage |
| Data is stored on hard drives or other electronic storage devices that rely on magnetic or electrical charges to hold information. | Data is stored in synthetic strands of DNA, created through a process of ordering bases in a specific sequence. |
| Data is stored in large, centralized data centres, often requiring significant amounts of energy and IT personnel to maintain. | Data is stored in compact DNA microcapsules, which can be easily transported and stored in smaller, more distributed locations. |
| Reading and writing data from traditional storage devices is fast and efficient, but the lifespan of the data can be limited. | Reading data from DNA storage is currently slow and expensive, but the lifespan of the data is much longer and can be stored for thousands of years. |
| Traditional storage is vulnerable to physical threats, such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, and other security breaches. | DNA storage is not vulnerable to physical threats in the same way, as data can be stored in multiple locations and transported easily. |
| Traditional storage requires frequent upgrades and maintenance to keep up with the increasing demand for storage space. | DNA storage does not require significant upgrades or maintenance once the initial storage process is complete. |
Challenges with Traditional Data Centres:
- Traditional data centres consume a significant amount of energy, leading to increased carbon emissions and contributing to climate change.
- As data storage needs increase exponentially, traditional data centres are struggling to keep up with demand, requiring frequent hardware upgrades and maintenance.
- Data centres are often centralized in a small number of locations, making them vulnerable to physical threats such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, and other security breaches.
- The cost of maintaining and expanding traditional data centres is becoming increasingly expensive, requiring significant investments in infrastructure and IT personnel.
New Breakthrough in DNA Data Storage
PCR: A Key Technology for Reading DNA Data Storage
- PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a widely used technology in molecular biology that can create millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence. In the context of DNA data storage, PCR is used to read the stored data by amplifying the specific DNA sequences that correspond to the files of interest. The challenge with using PCR for reading DNA data storage is that it can introduce errors and is not very efficient when reading multiple files at the same time. However, new techniques such as thermo-confined PCR have been developed to overcome these challenges and make DNA data storage more scalable.
Fluorescent Labels: Making DNA Data Storage Searchable
- To make the stored data searchable, each file in DNA data storage is given a unique fluorescent label. The labels are then read using a device that can recognize the colours and separate the files from one another. This technique enables efficient and accurate retrieval of the data from the DNA storage.
Microcapsules: Protecting and Organizing DNA Data Storage
- DNA data storage requires protection from external factors such as heat, light, and moisture that can damage the DNA molecules. Microcapsules are a key technology that provides protection to the DNA and allows for the organization of the stored data. Each microcapsule contains one file of data and is made up of proteins and a polymer. The capsules have thermal properties that enable them to seal themselves at high temperatures during PCR, which helps to prevent errors and enables efficient reading of multiple files at the same time.
Conclusion: As data continue to play an increasingly important role in our lives, finding efficient and long-lasting storage solutions becomes crucial. The breakthrough in DNA data storage technology offers a promising solution that can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve data preservation. As the amount of data generated continues to grow exponentially, the importance of efficient and scalable storage solutions cannot be overstated.
DNA Date Storage [UPSC Notes]:- Download PDF Here
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