In the early 1950s, it became clear to many researchers that DNAwas the cellular molecule that carries genetic information. However,an understanding of the genetic properties of DNA couldonly be achieved through a detailed knowledge of its structure.To this end, several laboratories began a highly competitive raceto discover the three-dimensional structure of DNA, which endedwhen Watson and Crick published their now classic paper in 1953.Their model was based, in part, on an X-ray diffraction photographof DNA taken by Rosalind Franklin (Figure 9.10). Two ethical issuessurround this photo. First, the photo was given to Watson and Crickby Franklin’s co-worker, Maurice Wilkins, without her knowledge orconsent. Second, in their paper, Watson and Crick did not creditFranklin’s contribution. The fallout from these lapses lasted fordecades and raises some basic questions about ethics in science. What vital clues were provided by Franklin’s work to Watsonand Crick about the molecular structure of DNA?
DNA and RNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is usually called the blueprint of life. Deoxyribose is a monosaccharide that has a key function in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid. One less oxygen-containing hydroxyl group occurs in deoxyribose sugar. Nucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid, is one of the natural components. Deoxyribonucleic acid is a double-stranded molecule. Watson and Crick postulated the double-stranded model of the helix. A deoxyribonucleic acid is a molecular group that carries and transmits genetic information from parents to offspring. All eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are involved.
DNA as the Genetic Material
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a long polymeric nucleic acid molecule discovered in the late 1930s. It is a polymer; a long chain-like molecule made up of several monomers connected in a sequence. It possesses certain characteristics that qualify it as a genetic component. Certain organisms have different types of nucleic acids as their genetic material - DNA or RNA.
Genetics
The significant branch in science which involves the study of genes, gene variations, and the organism's heredity is known as genetics. It is also used to study the involvement of a gene or set of genes in the health of an individual and how it prevents several diseases in a human being. Thus, genetics also creates an understanding of various medical conditions.
DNA Replication
The mechanism by which deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is capable of producing an exact copy of its own is defined as DNA replication. The DNA molecules utilize a semiconservative method for replication.
In the early 1950s, it became clear to many researchers that DNA
was the cellular molecule that carries genetic information. However,
an understanding of the genetic properties of DNA could
only be achieved through a detailed knowledge of its structure.
To this end, several laboratories began a highly competitive race
to discover the three-dimensional structure of DNA, which ended
when Watson and Crick published their now classic paper in 1953.
Their model was based, in part, on an X-ray diffraction photograph
of DNA taken by Rosalind Franklin (Figure 9.10). Two ethical issues
surround this photo. First, the photo was given to Watson and Crick
by Franklin’s co-worker, Maurice Wilkins, without her knowledge or
consent. Second, in their paper, Watson and Crick did not credit
Franklin’s contribution. The fallout from these lapses lasted for
decades and raises some basic questions about ethics in science.
What vital clues were provided by Franklin’s work to Watson
and Crick about the molecular structure of DNA?
Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps