Does a free radical weigh more than a standard DNA or RNA molecule or cell?

Question

So if we could centrifuge blood, could we separate the good DNA/RNA from the defective DNA/RNA that had been altered by free radicals or carcinogens? If we could identify the DNA that is supposed to be in the body, couldn't we filter out the bad DNA and free radicals by computer recognition and centrifuge?

Answer 1

Hi. DNA is a very simple structure that has a very complicated role. Free radicals (oxygen ions, for instance) can damage the DNA in a cell. It would require removal of the cell's DNA to do what you propose. May be better to neutralize free radicals in the first place.