Charles Crick And James Watson On The Structure Of The...

In 1962, the Nobel Prize was awarded to Francis Crick and James Watson for formulating the structure of the complex molecule known as DNA. These discoveries were a direct result of the accumulation of many scientists’ earlier analyses and findings of the DNA. Before Watson and Crick had developed the double-helical structure of DNA, indication of this genetic material had been revealed around the 1850’s. During the century following the first evidence of DNA, subsequent researchers had been eagerly examining the physical and chemical components of this molecule. Moreover, scientists such as Erwin Chargaff and Linus Pauling established a scientific foundation of research for future experts like Watson and Crick to analyze and interpret. The history of science acknowledges Watson and Crick’s findings as an exclusive discovery of their studies. However, the knowledge required to expose these innovative ideas are a culmination of â€Å"human events in which personal ities and cultural traditions play major roles† (Watson and Stent, 3). Watson’s personal account within The Double Helix introduces the significance of these scientific influences on his research and discovery of the DNA molecular structure. Without major scientific figures, such as Max Perutz, Rosalind Franklin, and Linus Pauling, the conceptualization of Watson and Crick’s DNA structure would not have successfully developed as it did in the 1950’s. Intrigued by Linus Pauling’s discovery of the alpha helix, WatsonShow MoreRelatedTransforming Species Into Molecular Biology3591 Words   |  15 Pagesobservation, towards more sophisticated and complex research. Through those influential hundred years, one question remained, what is life? And how do we appropriately characterize it? Because of this, three of sciences revolutionary icons approached their respective inquiries in different manners. All three men used outside correspondences with their peers to help them develop their own assumptions and eventually revolutionizing the concept of science. Watson and Crick’s work, along with Darwin’s representRead MoreThe Ethics of Genetic Engineering Essay2933 Words   |  12 Pagesdevelops this (Toward E01.) It has been only four decades since James D. Watson and Francis H. Crick made one of the most profound discoveries ever, the double helix structure of DNA. Today we know, human DNA is made of up twenty-three pairs of chromosomes and is found in all cells of the human body. Human genes are short segments of DNA that determine human traits, ranging from sex to eye color (Toward 1995.) To a large extent, DNA predetermines what diseases we will get, what our IQ will be andRead MoreThe Invention Of The 21st Century2497 Words   |  10 Pagesvaluable resource in agriculture, medicine, and industry. While the human body may be adapted to the Stone Age, we now find ourselves in this new â€Å"Biotic Age†. We are steadily â€Å"moving away from accidental and toward directed mutation in the basic structures of human individuals , by means of X-Rays, lasers, high-speed electrons, neutrons, or alpha particles† (Fletcher 8). As with any revolutionary technology, there are many con cerns regarding the potential of genetic engineering. Some of these fearsRead MoreBCH190 Essay14810 Words   |  60 PagesDifference occurs in the sequence of long chain molecules and becomes information in biological organisms. ‘Life’ assembles itself into chains: (A) of RNA (B) all of the answers are correct (C) of DNA (D) of protein (E) none of these answers are correct 2. Which of the following foods is not a significant source of complex carbohydrates? (A) fresh fruit (B) rice (C) pasta (D) oatmeal (E) all of the above are significant sources of complex carbohydrates 3. The order that bestRead MoreLas 432 Research Paper: Gmos20901 Words   |  84 Pagesuse of Genetically Modified Organisms throughout the world. A Brief Description of GMOs and the Science Behind Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) – Michele Jacobs The topic of GMOs is one that has been, in recent years, a highly debated and complex subject. To better understand why this subject is so highly debated, polarizing and fueled with a pro or con stance, it is best to start at the beginning. Genetically Modified Organisms and the technology used to create them have been around for