DNA dabbles

 In the last post, we saw how cells release DNA actively . By actively, we mean that the cells put in effort to release the DNA for a purpose. Can cells also release DNA without any effort? Yes, of course, that is passive release of DNA. We saw one way of passive release last time and that is NETosis suicidal. To recap, NETosis is a process in which some types of WBCs release NETs to catch microbes. NET stands for neutrophil extracellular traps, a mixture of DNA and protein. This acts like a net to catch microbes like bacteria. We also learned that there two types of NETosis: vital and suicidal. In vital, the cell remains alive. But in NETosis suicidal, the cells burst to release the NETs or neutrophil extracellular traps. In fact, most processes of passive DNA release involve a form of cell death.  Let's look at some of them.  Apoptosis Apoptosis is also known as programmed cell death. The apoptosis  comes from Ancient Greek, meaning "falling off"  of leaves fr...

 Welcome back reader! Today, we will look at how DNA reaches the bloodstream. There are two ways by which cells release DNA. One is when living cells release DNA under certain conditions such as stress or as defense. This is called as active release of DNA. Second, when cells die, they release their contents into the surroundings. This is called passive release of DNA.  Now, how can a cell actively release DNA into blood? There are many processes by which living cells can release DNA.  First is phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is a process by which white blood cells eat dead or infected cells and bacteria to protect the body from infection. Some of the types of white blood cells that usually do phagocytosis are monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils. Second is NETosis vital. Now imagine a man is fishing. What would he do if he wants to catch a large amount of fish at once? Throw a net, right? In the same way, neutrophils throw NETs to catch any bacteria or similar microbes that...