Ask A Biologist Podcast · Charles Kazilek (a.k.a. Dr. Biology) - School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University

Making Life Happen

·33 min·3 clips

Brandon reveals why RNA is the unsung hero that brings DNA's instructions to life in every cell.

This episode features computational biologist and storyteller Brandon Ogbunu from Yale University discussing the crucial role of RNA in life. Dr. Biology hosts the conversation, exploring why RNA deserves more attention alongside the famous DNA. Ogbunu argues that while DNA stores genetic information, RNA acts as the dynamic messenger that brings those instructions to life within cells. He describes RNA as the "unsung hero" responsible for turning genes on and off rapidly in response to environmental cues. The discussion covers the central dogma of molecular biology, explaining the flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein. Ogbunu uses his undergraduate thesis title, "The Liberation of RNA," to illustrate how RNA has been historically overshadowed. He explains that messenger RNA works with ribosomes to build proteins, which perform essential cellular functions. The conversation shifts to mutations, which Ogbunu frames as neutral, harmful, or beneficial changes critical for evolution. He cites sickle cell anemia as a disease caused by a mutation but notes mutations can also provide advantages, like surviving new conditions. To explain evolutionary change, Ogbunu references a word ladder game used by biologist John Maynard Smith, where each step must form a valid "word" or functional biological component. He gives the audience a puzzle to transform "cells" into "human" through single-letter changes. A surprising insight is that the vast majority of mutations have no noticeable effect on organisms. Ogbunu highlights the unpredictable nature of evolution, using the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant as an example of a surprising evolutionary twist. He explains how understanding viral evolution led to effective combination drug therapies for HIV. The discussion connects evolution to climate change, predicting adaptations like better water retention in species and expanded ranges for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Ogbunu emphasizes the importance of context in biology, arguing that genes interact with environment, diet, and experience, much like physical laws are influenced by factors like friction. He shares that his scientific creativity is inspired by studying the Harlem Renaissance and the birth of jazz and hip-hop. Ogbunu recounts a childhood moment of inspecting a dead mouse as an early sign of his curiosity, nurtured by his mother's encouragement. If not a scientist, he would consider teaching or social work, professions he sees as the "RNA" of human roles for their supportive, often unseen impact. His key advice for aspiring scientists is to cultivate gratitude and build community, which he considers a secret weapon as important as technical skill. The tone is conversational and educational, blending personal storytelling with clear scientific explanations. Listeners interested in molecular biology, evolution, and the human side of science will enjoy this episode. Those seeking a highly technical or debate-focused discussion might find it too introductory or narrative-driven.

As heard by us

A measured look at how RNA, evolution, and disease connect.

Ask A Biologist treats DNA as the information store and RNA as the work that carries those instructions forward, and Brandon Obunu fits that frame well as a computational biologist and writer moving between ecology, evolutionary biology, and disease.

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Why you'd press play

For listeners who want evolution tied to disease, RNA, and the useful surprise inside biology.

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