Profile – Genes Zone

Education:

I went to schools in Essex before going to Oxford (2005-2009) to do my degree.
Qualifications:

I have a Masters in Biochemistry
Work History:

When I was at school and university I worked in lots of kitchens (you usually get free food). Since 2009 I’ve been working full time on my PhD
Current Job:

I’m a PhD student (not technically a job but we still get paid)

Read more

The genetic information, found in DNA, contains a complete set of instructions that make you, you. These instructions are read, and a ‘photocopy’ made, by a protein called RNA polymerase II. DNA is damaged every day, and RNA Polymerase II gets “stuck” when it reaches a damaged area of DNA.

Now, not only can RNA Polymerase II no longer do its essential job: but it is so big that it blocks repair kit proteins that normally fix the damaged DNA. This leaves cells with damaged DNA, potentially leading to cancer.

To prevent this happening, the cell somehow gets rid of RNA Polymerase II when its gets stuck. I’m looking at how this happens.
My Typical Day:

I’m on my feet most of the time doing experiments in the lab.
What I'd do with the prize money:

Arrange for school kids, like yourselves, could go to one of the fantastic British Science Festivals.

Marcus Wilson